These aerials of Australia's Great Barrier
reef are evidence the most untouched part
of it has the most severe bleaching in its history.
The footage, which filmed over 500 coral reefs
during six days from Cairns to Papua New Guinea,
shows 95 percent is white and yellow.
Scientists say the bleaching happens in rising
water temperatures -
the coral under stress drives out living algae,
causing it to calcify,
and part of that is down to the current El
Nino climate cycle.
They say unless the World Heritage Site gets
a break in the weather conditions
within weeks some coral areas are unlikely
to survive.
The World Meteorological Organisation says
a break in temperature is unlikely
as this year looks set to be the hottest on
record.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches 1,200 miles
along Australia's northeast coast
and is the world's largest living ecosystem.
Last May, the World's Heritage Committee stopped short of placing it on an "in danger" list
but this latest find may raise long-term concerns
about its future.
