Recent footage from divers highlights alarming coral bleaching at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The visuals have stirred concern among conservationists, prompting urgent calls for action from government authorities. Paul Gamblin, Director of the Australian Marine Conservation Society WA, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” emphasising that the extensive bleaching, particularly affecting renowned areas like Turquoise Bay and Coral Bay, is not typical and requires immediate governmental intervention.
The environmental group has been sounding alarms for weeks about the detrimental effects of a marine heatwave, akin to an underwater bushfire, which has devastated marine life, evident in the recent death of over 30,000 fish along nearby beaches. Gamblin urges the state government to take action, as the ongoing crisis could lead to significant coral mortality and poses risks to local coastal communities and industries reliant on a healthy marine ecosystem.
The group demands more transparency and communication from both state and federal governments regarding the impacts of this heatwave. They also call for updated assessments on the health of other coral reefs in Western Australia, as climate change continues to threaten marine environments. Gamblin’s remarks underscore the urgent need for scientific guidance in confronting the escalating climate crisis impacting Ningaloo and broader coastal regions.