The study delves deeper into the complex relationship between heat stress and coral disease. During the same time frame, Goniopora corals – for one example – were observed to develop black band disease which, in turn, contributed to the species’ high mortality rate.
“This research is a wake-up call for policymakers and conservationists. The resilience of coral reefs is being tested like never before, and we must prioritize strategies that enhance their ability to withstand climate change. Our findings underscore the need for immediate and effective management interventions to safeguard these ecosystems,” said Professor Ana Vila Concejo, a co-author of the study from the School of Geosciences.
Dr. Shawna Foo, a Sydney Horizon Fellow and co-author of the study, added: “Seeing the impacts on a reef that has largely avoided mass bleaching until now is devastating. The high rates of mortality and disease, particularly in such a remote and pristine area, highlight the severity of the situation. Although the reef’s highly protected status may not have prevented the impacts of the heat wave, its role in facilitating recovery will be crucial to observe.”
Read the full study here.