91% of reefs surveyed along Great Barrier Reef affected by coral bleaching, report finds

Ninety-one percent of reefs surveyed along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia were affected by coral bleaching to some degree during the summer of 2021-22, according to a government study. Researchers say climate change is "the greatest threat to the Reef" and that the warming ocean is a key factor behind the recent mass bleaching event. 

"Climate change is escalating, and the Reef is already experiencing the consequences of this," the study stated. "Unfortunately, the events that cause disturbances on the reef are becoming more frequent, leaving less time for coral recovery."

In the annual Reef Summer Snapshot, conducted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, scientists conducted surveys of 719 reefs across regions. Aerial surveys revealed that 654 reefs displayed coral bleaching.