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Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,Bleaching occurs when stressed corals expel colour-giving algae
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is being devastated by another mass bleaching event, officials have confirmed.
It is the fourth time in six years that such severe and widespread damage - caused by warm sea temperatures - has been detected.
Only two other mass bleaching events have ever been recorded.
Scientists say urgent action on climate change is needed if the world's largest reef system is to survive.
There are particular concerns that this bleaching event has occurred in the same year as a La Niña weather phenomenon. Typically in Australia, a La Niña brings cooler temperatures.
Scientists are now fearful of the damage that could be caused by the next El Niño.
The declaration was made by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority which has been conducting aerial surveys.
Recently it warned that water temperatures in parts of the reef had been up to 4C above the March average.
The announcement comes as two scientists are in Queensland for a UN monitoring mission.
The first mass bleaching event was seen in 1998. It was again observed in 2002, 2016, 2017 and 2020.
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