Great Barrier Reef hit by sixth mass bleaching event, leading coral scientist says

Coral bleaching on the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef in 2017, which scientists believe was caused by heat stress due to warmer waters as a result of climate change. Photograph: Brett Monroe Garner/Getty Images

One of the world’s leading coral scientists claims a sixth mass bleaching event is unfolding across the Great Barrier Reef, with official monitoring flights now under way all along the Queensland coastline.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has confirmed monitoring flights are being conducted “along the length and breadth” of the 2,300km world heritage reef.