A record for several centuries: the water temperature of the famous Great Barrier Reef in Australia has been higher in the last ten years than in 400 years, according to a scientific study published Wednesday.
It had increased every year since 1960 but was particularly high during recent episodes of coral bleaching, according to this work published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature.
A warming of waters which is most likely the consequence of climate change caused by human action. Study co-author Helen McGregor says she is “extremely concerned” about the “unprecedented” rises in water temperatures.
The Great Barrier Reef, which stretches 2,300 km along the coast of the state of Queensland, is considered the largest living structure in the world. It is home to extremely rich biodiversity, with more than 600 species of coral and 1,625 species of fish.
