Scientists brace for possibility of ‘severe’ damage to Great Barrier Reef from ex-Cyclone Jasper

The sight of large clumps of seagrass washed up on shore – such as here at at Finch Bay, Cooktown – is one that scientist Dr Christina Howley had never seen. Photograph: Sarah Herkess

Cyclone Jasper’s slow-moving progress across the Coral Sea exposed as much as 20% of the Great Barrier Reef to waves high enough to break apart corals, according to modelling from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Scientists are also concerned flood waters from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper that drained out into the reef’s lagoon waters could damage corals and seagrass meadows close to shore.