James Cook University scientists have revealed coral bleaching at Lizard Island has hit record levels.
Using high-resolution drones, scientists from James Cook and Griffith universities found 96% of coral was affected, and 92% died, following mass bleaching events in 2024.
Associate Professor Karen Joyce of Remote Sensing at James Cook University says climate change is making recovery harder following catastrophic bleaching events.
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She’s warning that rising ocean temperatures are giving reefs little hope of long-term survival with more frequent, severe events predicted for the years ahead.
