The Great Barrier Reef is a beautiful natural wonder, but over time it’s been harmed by coral bleaching.
When discussing the Great Barrier Reef, you may often hear the term coral bleaching. But some of us are left wondering what it actually is. Coral bleaching is easy to understand, so read on to learn more about it.
What is coral bleaching?
There are three main steps to how coral bleaches. Healthy corals are brightly coloured and are covered in algae. Inside the microscopic grooves of the coral is where the algae live, which are protected and can undertake the process of photosynthesis. The coral will feed on the byproducts of the algae photosynthesis.
The coral and the algae depend on each other to survive, and the relationship will continue unchanged for years. However, if the coral does start becoming stressed, the algae will begin to leave.
When there are no algae living in the coral, the coral loses its major food source, causing it to starve, which leads to it fading to white, the start of the bleaching. When this happens to the coral, it is more susceptible to diseases, which can hasten the bleaching process.
Does this mean they’re dead?
No, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re dead! Many corals can bleach and stay alive, though it does mean if they don’t regain algae again, they will eventually starve to death. There have been cases of corals regaining their colour and thriving again, but it takes decades for the coral to fully recover. The increased bleaching events are preventing their recovery.
Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef
So, what does this have to do with the Great Barrier Reef? In the past 20 years, over 90 per cent of coral in the Great Barrier Reef has been bleached at least once. If this pattern continues, corals will not have enough time to fully recover and will quickly starve to death.
Even today, we are already seeing the impacts this has had on the reef. Climate change is the biggest contributor to coral bleaching. Even if the water changes by one degree, it is enough to.
Is there a way I can help?
You can help by reducing your emissions and striving to live a more eco friendlier life. Every small action can help, it might not seem like much, but it all adds up!
Avoid plastic
One easy thing you can do is cut down on your plastic use. The creation of plastic produces huge amounts of emissions which contribute to water temperatures. Additionally, plastics always finds its way into the ocean and harming the marine life. Cutting down on your plastic use is a win!
Don’t touch the coral
If you plan to visit the Great Barrier Reef, be sure to only look but not touch the coral. The coral is very precious and delicate, so it’s best we don’t disturb it.
Wear reef safe sunscreen
Sun safety is important, but some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals. When you swim, the chemicals leak from the skin into the water. When visiting the reef, it’s essential to invest in some reef safe sunscreen as they don’t have coral harming chemicals.
Is it still okay to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Perhaps the best thing you can do is visit the Great Barrier Reef! By visiting the reefs and sharing your photos and stories, you’ll help spread the word on what people can do to protect this beautiful part of the world. Below is a list of tours you can book to explore the reef.
Great Barrier Reef cruise deluxe
A fantastic day out is the cruise deluxe tour where you can try out snorkelling and diving. Cruise through the reef on a catamaran and head to two outer reefs for the day. On the way, you’ll learn how to use the snorkelling and diving equipment before you’re in the water.
The first reef you’ll have the chance to dive at. Whether you’re a beginner diver or a certified diver, you can explore and spot out the marine life and coral. At the second reef you’ll have the chance to go snorkelling or upgrade to do a second dive.
Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure
One of the best ways to spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef is on the pontoon adventure tour. A pontoon is a giant boat that sits out in the reef and allows all kinds of activities.
You’ll start the day making your way to the Moore Reef pontoon and get the chance to take part in whatever activity you desire. You may pick to lounge around, try out snorkelling, go on the glass bottom boat, or swimming. There are upgrades to go scuba diving and helmet diving.
Hopefully you now have a greater understanding of the term coral bleaching. So, make sure you can see these beautiful corals, learn more about them, and discover ways you can protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Related article: Coral and the Great Barrier Reef
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.