Australia’s coral reefs have been dealt a devastating blow after a record-breaking marine heatwave scorched a 1,500 km stretch along Western Australia’s coast. Scientists are calling it the longest, largest, and most intense marine heatwave ever recorded in the region.

Some reef systems, including the famous Rowley Shoals, have suffered catastrophic losses — with coral mortality rates reaching up to 90% in certain areas. These reefs, often celebrated for their vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, are now struggling to recover from widespread bleaching and death.

Marine heatwaves occur when ocean temperatures stay unusually high for extended periods. This year’s event has been exceptional in both duration and intensity, driven largely by climate change and warming sea temperatures.

Experts warn that the damage may be irreversible in parts, threatening not only biodiversity but also local communities that rely on healthy reefs for tourism and fishing. Coral reefs act as crucial marine ecosystems, supporting thousands of species, protecting coastlines, and storing vast amounts of carbon.

According to climate scientists, the only long-term solution to protect these ecosystems is reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. While reef restoration projects and marine conservation efforts can help, they are unlikely to keep pace with the scale of destruction if ocean warming continues.

For now, scientists and conservationists are racing to assess the full impact of this heatwave. The tragedy unfolding in Western Australia serves as a stark reminder: the climate crisis is not a distant threat — it’s happening right now, beneath the waves.