Far North escapes worst of bleaching as operators see early signs of recovery

An aerial survey of the 1080 reefs off the coast of North Queensland has revealed the Far North may have made a fortunate escape.

The overwhelming message from Great Barrier Reef experts is to visit the natural wonder on Cairns’ doorstep, connect with it, and take action to protect it.

About 100 community heroes and their guests visited Moore Reef, east of Cairns, on Saturday as part of Savannah Sounds on the Reef where they could snorkel, swim, or take a trip on the glass bottom boat or semi-submersible cruises.

Researchers and divers say residents play an important role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef, and should visit it.

Abbi Scott, senior research officer at James Cook University and Cairns Port Douglas Reef hub co-ordinator, said tourists and locals could see some of the best parts of the reef in Cairns.

“It (the reef) is such an amazing system. It’s so diverse, and it has so many important functions. I feel so lucky to be working on the sea country, and doing something to help it,” she said.

Tanya Murphy snorkels over coral on Moore Reef, one of 150 local heroes who attended a music concert on the Reef Magic pontoon as part of Savannah Sounds on the Reef, the first ever concert to be held on the northern Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Come out here, experience it, and hear the stories. And understand what is here on our doorstep. It’s doing well but it’s facing a lot of challenges and so we have to try and do what we can to address climate change.”

Ms Scott also celebrated tourism operators for helping the Great Barrier Reef.

“There are many tourism operators involved in various different projects to help rehabilitate the reef in certain sections,” she said.

“This region is a powerhouse of research innovation and action to help the reef.”

Lea Dawes, Passions of Paradise master reef guide and coral nature project manager, said Cairns fared “quite well” in terms of coral bleaching.

A new map released by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in its Reef Snapshot shows high levels of coral bleaching across the coast.

Master Reef Guide Lea Dawes, James Cook University Marine Scientist Abbi Scott, Great Barrier Reef Foundation Director of Community Partnerships Jenn Loder and GMY Rangers Stirling King and Cadmas Sands attended Savannah Sounds on the Reef, the first ever concert to be held on the northern Great Barrier Reef, to help educate attendees on the conservation efforts to help preserve the health of the reef. Picture: Brendan Radke

But parts of the Far North escaped the worst effects of sea temperature rises, which have caused mass coral bleaching across the globe.

“There’s seen temperature stress, but it’s already starting to recover on our section of the reef. We fared quite well,” Ms Dawes said.

“Just because they bleach, doesn’t mean they are gone. It’s a natural response to stress. When it happens over a period of time you see mortality. But in our section of the reef it has fared quite well. We did see bleaching happening but it’s already starting to recover.”

Ms Dawes said the reef always “had something to give”.

“It’s such a special place, it is hard to not have a bond with it even if you are only here for one day as a tourist.

“People should make small acts against climate change in any way they can. But people have to visit the reef. Tourism is so important in terms of conservation. It’s why it is so protected and it’s how we’re going to continue protecting it.”

Dr David Wachenfeld, research program director of the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s Reef Ecology and Monitoring Programs, said there had been widespread bleaching throughout the southern Great Barrier Reef and parts of the central and northern reef, but the Far North had fared better.

“The Far Northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait has pretty much escaped this year with very little heat stress and bleaching,” he said at Cairns’ recent Reef Symposium.

“There is a lot of variability between regions, and even between individual reefs, they are not all bleaching the same.”

Reef operators say there are strong signs of early recovery as sea temperatures begin to cool.

“What we have seen is bleaching hasn’t been everywhere and it seems it is worse further south,” Alan Wallish, founder of Passions of Paradise said.

“Off the coast of Cairns it has not been as significant and we are already seeing some recovery after a temperature drop of close to two degrees in the past two weeks.

“The worst we have seen has been in the really shallow waters and areas with predominantly bushy corals.

Tanya Murphy snorkels over coral on Moore Reef, one of 150 local heroes who attended a music concert on the Reef Magic pontoon as part of Savannah Sounds on the Reef, the first ever concert to be held on the northern Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We are already seeing some bleached colonies coming back and I have no doubt a majority, if not all, will recover.”

Founder of Sailaway Steve Edmonson said while it was important to recognise the impact of climate change on the reef system, it is resilient.

“There is a cycle involved, bleaching is a sign but it does not spell death,” he said.

“It is an environmental indication of these pressures, it's a reminder we need to be kinder to this earth to combat climate change but it’s important for people to know that there is still hope and that the reef goes through these cycles of recovery.”

Mr Edmonson said that no one should be deterred from travelling to the reef.

“It is still beautiful and we have only heard great things from the people coming off tours on the outer reef,” he said.

“Many of the operators are on the front lines of research and reef monitoring and they can share this world leading knowledge of this ecosystem and help them be a part of its conservation.”

Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators CEO Gareth Phillips said it was crucial people visited the reef to enjoy it for its beauty but also protect it.

“We have a duel role, showing off the Great Barrier Reef and protecting it,” he said.

“Getting people out onto the reef, even in tough times, seeing those moments is crucial to talking honestly about the reef and how to look after it.

“We have been on the front lines of this bleaching event assessing and reporting through more than 5000 surveys by tourism staff and operators.

“It takes a community to look after an ecosystem like this.”

Originally published as Far North escapes worst of bleaching as operators see early signs of recovery