A bid to clean up shipping industry intensified a coral bleaching event on Great Barrier Reef, study says

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Graham ReadfearnJanuary 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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medium article 4 min

A recent study found that efforts to reduce sulphur emissions from the shipping industry intensified the 2022 coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef. Regulations introduced in 2020 by the UN's International Maritime Organization lowered the allowable sulphur content in ship fuels. Researchers at the University of Melbourne analyzed ship data and weather patterns during the February 2022 heat buildup on the reef. Their models indicated that reduced sulphur emissions, while beneficial for air quality, resulted in 5-10% more sunlight reaching the reef, increasing heat stress on the corals. The study highlights the unintended consequences of environmental regulations and the complex factors contributing to coral bleaching.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Caribbean 30% La Niña 50% University of Melbourne 60% Robert Ryan ×470% International Maritime Organization 70% Great Barrier Reef ×590%

Keywords

coral bleaching 100% great barrier reef 90% shipping industry 80% sulphur emissions 80% heat stress 70% ocean temperatures 60% international maritime organization 50% la niña 40%