The islands also attract great research interest, and many scientists visit the islands each year for a variety of reasons, ranging from coral reef surveys to bird observation. (Dive-The-World.com)
Overall, plastic waste was documented on a third of reefs surveyed, with anywhere from two to 11 pieces of garbage per 100 square meters. (earther.com)
Scientists reported earlier this year that 99 percent of 500 coral reefs surveyed in Australia's Great Barrier Reef have been hit by the bleaching event, which has already impacted reefs across the Pacific, from American Samoa and Fiji to Hawaii and Vanuatu, as well as parts of the Caribbean, Florida Keys, and Indian Ocean. (news.mongabay.com)