Marine scientists say that coral across much of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is recovering.
Over the last 10 years, it has suffered from storms and bleaching events to record high levels.
The reef’s northern and central parts have the highest amount of coral cover since monitoring began nearly forty years ago.
However, coral cover in the southern part of the reef has decreased.
Experts are warning that the new coral is still vulnerable to future threats including climate change – which means that progress could be quickly undone.
Scientists looked at 87 different sites and found that northern and central parts of the reef had bounced back from damage more quickly than some had expected.
Did you know?
The Great Barrier Reef is so big, that it can be seen from outer space!
Events caused by climate change – like storms, cyclones, floods, and warming seas – have a harmful impact on coral.
Coral reefs are vital for lots of plants, animals, and people, but warming oceans can lead to coral bleaching which seriously damages the delicate ecosystem.
The Great Barrier Reef has seen four mass coral bleaching events in the past six years. Coral bleaching happens when sea temperatures get too high or low.
