Green Options

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting severe bleaching for parts of the Coral Sea, near Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and the Coral Triangle, causing immense damage to an important global marine environment over the next few months.

“This forecast bleaching episode will be caused by increased water temperatures and is the kind of event we can expect on a regular basis if average global temperatures rise above 2 degrees.” - Richard Leck, Climate Change Strategy Leader for WWF’s Coral Triangle Program.

Collectively a group of scientists, environmental groups, and former members of Australia’s navy have urged for the creation of a gigantic reserve that would ban fishing in a pristine 400,000 square mile area known as the Coral Sea– if approved, it will be the world’s largest protected marine area.

Located off of Australia’s northeast coast, the Coral Sea is rich with biodiversity and historical significance. In addition to being home to more than 25 coral reefs, endangered species of sea turtles, and 25 species of whales and dolphins, the Coral Sea was the location of a well-known World War II battle involving aircraft carriers– hence the Navy’s involvement.