澳大利亚大堡礁硬珊瑚覆盖率大幅下降

Core Insights - The report from the Australian Institute of Marine Science indicates a significant decline in hard coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef due to climate change and other factors [1] Summary by Categories Coral Coverage - The average hard coral cover in the monitored areas of the Great Barrier Reef is projected to decrease by approximately 14% to 30% from 2024 to 2025, with some reefs experiencing declines of over 70% [1] Causes of Decline - The primary cause of the decline in hard coral coverage is attributed to a heatwave during the summer of the Southern Hemisphere in 2024, which led to widespread coral bleaching and mortality [1] - Other contributing factors include cyclonic impacts, flooding, and the activity of crown-of-thorns starfish, which exert additional pressure on coral survival [1] Coral Bleaching Phenomenon - Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their symbiotic algae or the algae lose their pigmentation due to environmental stress, resulting in a loss of color [1] - While coral bleaching does not necessarily lead to coral death, reduced stress levels can allow corals to recover their color [1] Importance of the Great Barrier Reef - The Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeast coast of Australia, spans over 2,000 kilometers and is recognized as the world's largest coral reef system and one of the most complex natural ecosystems on Earth [1]