Fears Over Coral Bleaching of Barrier Reef

There are concerns the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef could be permanently damaged if a weather event causing coral bleeching does not subside. Image: Bleached coral in the Great Barrier Reef (AAP)

Hot summer conditions and rising water temperatures have already led to major coral bleaching and death.

 

The concerns come despite scientists previously believing a major coral-bleaching event had been avoided.