SYDNEY - Parts of the Great Barrer Reef have suffered the highest coral mortality on record, Australian research showed on Nov 19, with scientists fearing the rest of it has suffered a similar fate.

The northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef have lost a large chunk of its coral as climate change, cyclones and floods continue to threaten disturbance to the mighty natural wonder.

Large sections of the Great Barrier Reef appear to have been smashed by climate change and cyclones this year, with one reef near Lizard Island losing nearly three quarters of its coral cover since the beginning of the year.