The XL Catlin Seaview Survey has published devastating images of bleached coral, including on the Great Barrier Reef.

The survey, which began in 2012, aims to create a baseline reference of the world’s coral reefs using the latest photographic technology.

XL Catlin believes insurers should take a leading role in improving understanding of potential environmental changes.

Survey Head of Communications Lorna Parry told insuranceNEWS.com.au scientists now believe 93% of the Great Barrier Reef has been bleached.

Bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise, causing corals to expel the colourful algae living in their tissues.

“We have been tracking the bleaching for some time now,” she said. “Corals can bleach and recover depending on the severity of the event.

“If bleaching lasts five or six weeks then we can be pretty positive the corals won’t survive, so what happens over the next few weeks is crucial.

“Later, we will go in and resurvey, and then compare. It will be a true and representative piece of scientific analysis.

“Having an understanding of ocean change has a strong bearing on managing risks for the future.”

The images can be viewed here.