“This is the first documented regional-scale bleaching event in WA during an El Nino year and the first time we have been able to measure the percentage of impacted corals,” lead researcher Verena Schoepf told AAP. As much as 80% of coral reefs in parts of Kimberley Region Western Australia’s were severely affected by global bleaching in the first time last year . Some in-shore Kimberley reefs suffered bleaching for 2016 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.
As much as 80% of coral reefs in parts of Kimberley Region Western Australia’s were severely affected by global bleaching in the first time last year . Some in-shore Kimberley reefs suffered bleaching for 2016 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.