The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem located in Australia, recently experienced its third major bleaching event in five years.

It is considered to be the most widespread coral bleaching event on record, owing to the rise in temperatures due to climate change.

The Great Barrier Reef contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs. No other World Heritage property contains such biodiversity.

It has suffered several mass bleaching events in the past due to warmer than normal ocean temperatures. Researchers are constantly experimenting with new ways to save the Great Barrier Reef.

Underwater surveys will be carried out to assess the extent of the damage this time.