emirates7 - Scientists reported Tuesday that a marine heatwave off Western Australia was the longest, largest, and most intense ever recorded in the region, leading to the most extensive coral bleaching event in the state’s history.
According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), bleaching and coral death were documented across reef systems up to 1,500 kilometres apart. Senior research scientist James Gilmour said even reefs that had previously avoided bleaching, such as the Rowley Shoals, north Kimberley, and Ningaloo, were severely affected. “This time, there’s been little reprieve for any of our north-west reefs,” he noted.
Scientists are still assessing Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) — a measure of heat stress on corals — with eight DHWs typically considered severe enough to cause mortality. Early estimates indicate more than 15 DHWs across all reefs, and up to 30 DHWs in some Pilbara sites, which Gilmour described as deeply concerning for Australia’s coral ecosystems.
Just last week, AIMS reported a sharp decline in hard coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef following a record bleaching event in 2024.
According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), bleaching and coral death were documented across reef systems up to 1,500 kilometres apart. Senior research scientist James Gilmour said even reefs that had previously avoided bleaching, such as the Rowley Shoals, north Kimberley, and Ningaloo, were severely affected. “This time, there’s been little reprieve for any of our north-west reefs,” he noted.
Scientists are still assessing Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) — a measure of heat stress on corals — with eight DHWs typically considered severe enough to cause mortality. Early estimates indicate more than 15 DHWs across all reefs, and up to 30 DHWs in some Pilbara sites, which Gilmour described as deeply concerning for Australia’s coral ecosystems.
Just last week, AIMS reported a sharp decline in hard coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef following a record bleaching event in 2024.