It’s been a tough summer for our Reef. We know climate change is causing more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and this summer the Reef has experienced multiple cyclones, flash flooding, and now a marine heatwave that’s caused widespread .
We’ve made significant progress advancing methods to restore reefs damaged by the impacts of climate change, but the reality is that coral reefs remain one of the most vulnerable ecosystem on the planet. Your continued support is critical as we accelerate our efforts to safeguard the Reef’s future.
Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, 2017. Credit: Ocean Image Bank.
#The Reef needs your help
rescue the Reef and build her resilience to the challenges of a warming planet through our Reef Rescue Appeal.
Your donation will be used to help protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef through three targeted actions:
Response – we will work with a range of Reef managers and researchers over the coming months to carefully monitor the impacts of bleaching across key parts of the Reef – the size of Italy – and map how the ecosystem responds to the disturbance. This includes how precious marine life is impacted.
Recovery – once we understand the extent and impact of the bleaching event, we will work with our partners to grow and plant healthy baby corals through our world-leading Coral IVF technique. We will also plant coral fragments to help repopulate damaged reefs and create new habitat for the marine life that calls our Reef home.
Resilience – we know our planet will feel the impacts of climate change for years to come, so while the world works to reduce emissions, we will invest in research to increase the thermal tolerance of corals to help them resist and adapt to rising ocean temperatures.
We are working with our partners to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef. Credit: Southern Cross University.
We have set up a Reef Rescue Appeal advisory team made up of scientists, Traditional Owners and Reef stakeholders.
The advisory team will meet as the mass bleaching event progresses to review where the need is greatest to protect and restore the Reef, and will focus on areas most impacted with highest chance of recovery.
We know coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet, but if we all work together there is real hope we can protect them for future generations.
Please donate today to the .
Help us protect our Reef and the wildlife that depend on it. Credit: Josh Somerville.
Main image: Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, 2017. Credit: Ocean Image Bank.
