The Northern Territory marine ecosystems may be under threat after rising sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching in waters near the Co-bourg Peninsula.
Rangers at the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park have documented large patches of bleached coral from the air in January this year, in the same area where coral grew healthily in 2015.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society Manager, Adele Pedder said the NT and Federal governments need to improve coastal management to reduce other stresses on reefs, in order to allow the reefs to recover before they are completely destroyed.