Great Barrier Reef could face 'most extensive coral bleaching ever', scientists say

This year's bleaching likely to be widespread although less intensive than previous outbreaks, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says

The Great Barrier Reef could be about to experience its most widespread outbreak of mass coral bleaching ever seen, according to an analysis from the US government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

But the analysis, seen by Guardian Australia, says while bleaching could hit the entire length of the world heritage-listed reef, the impacts may not be as intense as previous major outbreaks.