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March 2024
Hi
Waypoint is AIMS' newsletter, delivering a regular selection of AIMS news and achievements directly to your inbox.
In our previous edition, we introduced AIMS newly appointed CEO, Professor Selina Stead, a highly accomplished marine biologist from the United Kingdom.
We hope you enjoy this edition.
Aerial surveys reveal mass coral bleaching event unfolding on the Great Barrier Reef
We took to the skies to conduct aerial surveys with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to observe the extent of coral bleaching being reported across the Reef caused by elevated sea temperatures. We also have science teams collecting data via in-water surveys.
The aerial surveys have so far covered almost two-thirds of the Marine Park, and span reefs between the coast to further offshore, and from the southern region up to Cape Melville north of Cooktown.
We’re continuing to collect data via aerial and in-water surveys. When these have been completed and the data analysed, we’ll have a better understanding about the potential impacts from this mass bleaching event, which is the fifth since 2016.
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Images - Top: The Reef Authority and AIMS' Dr Neal Cantin (right) during aerial surveys. Photo: GBRMPA | Bleaching affecting branching coral at a site in the Keppel Islands, Southern Great Barrier Reef, March 5 2024. Photo: Renata Ferrari. Bottom: Coral bleaching affects a coral (left) at Arling Reef, Central Great Barrier Reef, February 27 2024. Photo: Grace Frank | Coral bleaching at Mackay Reef, Northern Great Barrier Reef, February 24 2024. Photo: Grace Frank.
Mass bleaching events are caused by ocean warming due to climate change. It causes more frequent and severe marine heatwaves, which means less time for corals to recover between bleaching events and other disturbances.
We’re providing the science necessary to monitor and understand the effects of heat stress on coral reefs, the adaptation potential and recovery rates on reefs around Australia, to guide management and future restoration efforts.
Stay up to date with the Reef Authority's weekly Reef Health updates.
Stepping up research to put bleached and at-risk reefs under microscope
In the past, we've collected coral bleaching data after heat stress accumulation had peaked. This year, we've been studying reef communities as heat stress begun. Teams are also identifying naturally heat resilient corals to improve reef restoration practices.
Bolstering in-water measurements with tourism operators on the Reef
We've expanded our temperature logger network and added light sensors to better understand the relationship between bright sunlight, temperature stress and coral bleaching. Helping our scientists are local tourism operators.
Our 2023
From Ningaloo in the west, across the Top End to the Great Barrier Reef, in 2023 we covered a lot of mileage as we continued to expand our knowledge and discover unique insights into Australia’s vast and remote tropical waters.
The current mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef is a sobering reminder of the importance to progress AIMS' knowledge and tools to understand the future of reefs, as well as help them adapt to, and recover from, the effects of climate change.
Other AIMS News
Underwater soundscapes and young fish could help the Reef
Our Reef Song team have conducted experiments at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Now they're playing DJ at Lizard Island in the northern Great Barrier Reef to investigate whether playing healthy reef sounds on degraded reefs will attract baby fish and help the growth and survival of coral.
AIMS helps Samoa step up coral reef monitoring
We've played a guiding role in helping Samoa draft the design of a national coral reef monitoring program to standardise and integrate local monitoring efforts. This will help the Pacific nation better understand the status and trends of its coral reefs and fisheries, and inform how they are best managed.
Welcoming Australia's inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People
Our Indigenous Partnerships team hosted Justin Mohamed, Australia's inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.
The team introduced the Ambassador to our Indigenous Partnerships Program, where we foster genuine Indigenous science partnerships with Traditional Owners. We have ongoing engagement with over 50 Traditional Owners.
Bindal Elder, Eddie Smallwood, welcomed the Ambassador to the Townsville site, named 'Nilgoolerburdda' in the language of the Bindal Traditional Owners.
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- Sign up for regular survey updates from AIMS' Great Barrier Reef Long-Term Monitoring team
