Reef Shows Sign Of Recovery

A report earlier this month has revealed that two thirds of the Great Barrier Reef is showing signs of recovery.

Best in 30 years

The report, put together by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), says that the largest amount of coral cover has been seen in 36 years.

However, other parts of the reef are still struggling because of a species called crown of thorns starfish, which eats coral.

Coral bleaching still an issue

The areas that have shown signs of improvement are in the north and central areas. These parts have been able to recover from disturbances over the recent years. The disturbances, such as coral bleaching, have been coming more frequently. Coral bleaching is when the sea is too warm and the coral expels the algae living inside it, making the coral turn white.

UNESCO site

Earlier this year there were reports of the reef having its fourth mass bleaching within the past six years. The reef supports an enormous amount of diverse sea life. UNESCO listed the barrier reef as a World Heritage Site because of its scientific importance. There is an ongoing effort to do more to protect the reef.