Coral Bleaching of World’s Southernmost Reef Blamed on Climate Change
The southernmost coral reef of the world isn’t looking too pretty. Where is this reef? It’s located near Lord Howe Island, which is off the eastern coast of Australia. Warming seas have caused bleaching of this particular reef for the first time ever. Coral bleaching (or whitening) occurs when the algae-like protozoa dies or is expelled from the coral for stress-related reasons. Yes, coral gets stressed out. A particular type of protozoa, called zooxanthellae, is what gives the coral its coloring. When these are expelled, the coral begins to lose its color. Australian scientist, Pete Harrison, has monitored the island…
