CANDIDATES URGED TO TAKE CORAL BLEACHING SERIOUSLY

Bleached coral

GEOFF VIVIAN

A green group is urging all parties and candidates in the coming Federal election to take climate change seriously after marine heatwaves on both sides of Australia damaged reefs once again this summer.

Coral bleaching occurs when the ocean heats up. 

Australian Marine Conservation Society representative Paul Gamblin said this causes coral to spew out the algae it relies on for much of its feed.

“They actually turn white, hence the term bleaching,” he said.

“And if they stay in that state for too long they can die.”

Mr Gamblin said coral reefs were important habitats for fish and other marine life, and helped protect the coast from storms and erosion.

He said they could take years to recover, but coral bleaching events were becoming common.