Before and after: Great Barrier reef photos expose shocking realities of coral bleaching

IT’S known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world but scientists believe the Great Barrier Reef is dying at an alarming rate.

“BEAUTIFUL one day, perfect the next.”

This was how Queensland Tourism sold the sunny state to us, but it seems the ‘beautiful’ title is taking a swift downward turn.

Scientists believe climate change and rising sea temperatures are rapidly killing parts of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.

Professor Terry Hughes is the director of the Arc Centre of Excellence’s Coral Reef Studies project at James Cook University — and believes time is very quickly running out for one of Australia’s most beloved natural wonders.

“We didn’t expect to see this level of destruction to the Great Barrier Reef for another 30 years,” he explained to environmental journal Nature.

“In the north, I saw hundreds of reefs — literally two-thirds of the reefs were dying and are now dead.”

Coral bleaching occurs when the water temperature heats up, with the living and breathing coral then expelling what’s called ‘zooxanthellae’ — an algae which essentially helps the coral feed itself. Once this algae is released by the coral, the core of the coral is exposed, which is what can be described as ‘the coral’s bright white skeleton.’

Concerns have been raised about the effects of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, along with the impending opening of Adani’s Carmichael mine.

“Obviously, the last thing the Great Barrier Reef needs is more coal mines,” Prof Hughes told Nature.

Mature staghorn coral comparison between the short period of February 2016 and April 2016. 67% of the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef has died. Picture: Terry Hughes et al./Nature

North east Orpheus Island shore line comparison between 1996 and 2016. Picture: Terry Hughes et al./Nature

Great Barrier Reef before and after photos shot by Professor Terry Hughes. — Picture: Terry Hughes et al./Nature

This map shows the severity of coral loss on each section of the Great Barrier Reef. Picture: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority