As much as 80% of coral reefs in parts of Western Australia’s Kimberley Region were severely affected by global bleaching in 2016. Photograph: Bleaching occurs when a spike in sea temperatures puts coral under stress, causing it to expel the tiny photosynthetic algae responsible for its colours and turning them bone white.
As much as 80% of coral reefs in parts of Western Australia’s Kimberley Region were severely affected by global bleaching in 2016. Some in-shore Kimberley reefs suffered bleaching for the first time last year even though its corals are considered to be tougher than most. Bleaching occurs when a spike in sea temperatures puts coral under stress, causing it to expel the tiny photosynthetic algae responsible for its colours and turning them bone white.