Scientists find evidence of coral bleaching at iconic Heart Reef

Scientists claim they have found evidence of coral bleaching on one of the Great Barrier Reef's most iconic landmarks, Heart Reef in the Whitsundays.

They say it's been caused by an extreme heatwave around the time of Cyclone Debbie.

The devastating storm itself missed the heart-shaped reef but it smashed other significant coral systems nearby.

Just 18km away at Baits Reef, entire sections have been decimated.

It's been reduced to rubble, with barely any signs of life.

Experts say the reef is resilient and will bounce back, but it does take years and the more cyclones we have, the more vulnerable our global treasure becomes.

Major conservation group, WWF, will highlight the reef crisis at the World Heritage Committee meeting in Poland, this weekend.


It'll be armed with a petition, demanding our government take urgent action to stop pollution.