Mass coral bleaching hits Great Barrier Reef for the second year in a row: Study

Great Barrier Reef: World's largest coral reef system located along the Eastern Coast of Australia

The Great Barrier Reef was in news in the second week of March 2017 as an expansive aerial survey found that the reef has been ravaged by coral bleaching for the second year in a row.

The survey was conducted as a part of a study initiated by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

About Great Barrier Reef

• The Great Barrier Reef is a distinct feature of the East Australian Cordillera division, which includes the smaller Murray Islands.

• The Great Barrier Reef is considered as one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

• It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.

• The reef, between 15 kilo metres and 150 kilo metres off shore and around 65 kilo metres wide in some parts, is a gathering of brilliant and vivid coral species.

• A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as fishing and tourism.

• Because of its natural beauty, both below and above the water’s surface, the reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations.

• In recognition of its significance, the UNESCO listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1981.