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How do cyclones damage the reef?
Cyclones can cause significant physical damage to the Great Barrier Reef by breaking apart coral structures, uprooting marine life, and stirring up sediment that smothers corals. The intense waves and strong winds associated with cyclones can lead to widespread destruction, making recovery difficult and increasing the reef's vulnerability to other threats.
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What role do starfish outbreaks play in reef decline?
Outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish are a major threat to the reef because they feed on coral, causing large areas of coral cover to die off rapidly. These outbreaks can be triggered by changes in water quality and overfishing of starfish predators, leading to unchecked starfish populations that devastate coral reefs.
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How does warming ocean water make threats worse?
Rising sea temperatures due to climate change cause coral bleaching, where corals lose the algae that give them color and nutrients. Prolonged bleaching weakens corals, making them more susceptible to disease and death. Warmer waters also increase the frequency and severity of cyclones and starfish outbreaks, compounding the threats to the reef.
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What are scientists doing to protect the reef?
Scientists and conservationists are working on various strategies, including monitoring reef health, controlling starfish outbreaks, and reducing local pollution. Efforts also include restoring damaged areas, establishing marine protected zones, and advocating for global action on climate change to limit ocean warming and extreme weather events.
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Can the Great Barrier Reef recover from these threats?
Recovery is possible, but it depends on reducing the main threats, especially climate change. While some parts of the reef have shown resilience and signs of recovery, ongoing damage from bleaching, cyclones, and starfish outbreaks pose serious challenges. Long-term protection and global climate action are essential for the reef’s future survival.