Great Barrier Reef suffers worst coral decline on record

The Great Barrier Reef faces the largest coral decline since records began, with extensive bleaching from climate change, cyclones, and crown-of-thorns starfish, warns the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Repeated bleaching events have turned vast stretches of vibrant coral white, impacting biodiversity on the world's largest living structure. Recovery may take years, with coral's ability to rebound depending on reproduction and minimal environmental disturbance. Efforts to combat the crown-of-thorns starfish issue have shown some progress, but the reef is under threat and in need of protection.