Fears back-to-back cyclones may have damaged Great Barrier Reef

Strong waves and sediment-laden freshwater pushed out from river catchments may have damaged parts of reef system, experts say

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Back-to-back cyclones crossing the Great Barrier Reef have experts concerned vast flood plumes and heavy waves may have damaged parts of the world's biggest coral reef system.

Reef scientists and conservationists went into the summer worried that an El Nino weather pattern would elevate the risk of mass coral bleaching.