According to a report by the Reef Authority, which manages the world’s largest coral reef system, an aerial survey revealed coral bleaching at multiple reefs, “confirming a mass bleaching event, the fourth since 2016.”

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is experiencing a “mass bleaching event” due to heat stress from warmer seas, reef officials said Friday.

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According to a report by the Reef Authority, which manages the world’s largest coral reef system, an aerial survey revealed coral bleaching at multiple reefs, “confirming a mass bleaching event, the fourth since 2016.”

The mass bleaching report came four days after the UN launched a monitoring mission to determine whether the World Heritage site is adequately protected from climate change.

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According to the authority, coral suffered despite the cooling effect of the La Nina weather phenomenon, which is currently influencing Australia’s climate.

According to scientists, one of the primary causes of coral bleaching is climate change, which is causing warmer waters.

It happens when corals expel algae from their tissues, robbing them of their vibrant colours.

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Though bleached corals are stressed, they can recover if conditions improve, according to the Reef Authority.

“Weather patterns over the next few weeks will continue to be critical in determining the overall extent and severity of coral bleaching across the Marine Park,” the report stated.

The mass bleaching report came four days after the UN launched a monitoring mission to determine whether the World Heritage site is adequately protected from climate change.

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Before the World Heritage Committee considers listing the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger” in June, UNESCO will assess whether the Australian government is doing enough to address threats to the reef, including climate change.

Many were surprised by the World Heritage Committee’s decision not to list it as such last July, given that UNESCO had recommended the listing just weeks earlier.

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When the UN threatened to delist the reef as a World Heritage site in 2015, Australia devised a “Reef 2050” plan and invested billions of dollars in its protection.