This is the third and most extreme mass bleaching event in 18 years to strike the Great Barrier Reef, and in each case, the areas that suffered the worst bleaching were the areas where the water was hottest for the longest period of time, Hughes said. (businessinsider.com)
Scientists have told an Australian government committee that the current strategy to protect the reef — the Reef 2050 Long - Term Sustainability Plan — is unachievable in light of recent mass bleaching events, especially since the plan doesn't include steps to counter climate change. (businessinsider.com)