Shocking' levels of mass bleaching drain life from reef off west coast

Alarming' levels of coral bleaching have been recorded off Australia's western coast, scientists said yesterday, turning huge chunks of a celebrated reef system a sickly dull white.

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A months-long marine heatwave had "cooked" the sprawling Ningaloo Reef, ocean scientist Kate Quigley said, part of a world heritage-listed marine park renowned for vibrant corals and migrating whale sharks.

Although environment officials were still verifying the scale of damage, Ms Quigley said it was on track to be the region's worst mass-bleaching event in six years.

"Warm oceans have just cooked the corals this year," Ms Quigley said.