Great Barrier Reef health update - 22 January 2025

Reef health update © GBRMPA

Heatwave conditions have continued across Queensland over the past week contributing to heat stress on the Reef.

The persistent hot weather means we are seeing heat building up across the Reef, with more heat accumulating in the Far Northern and Northern regions, and less in the Central and Southern regions.

However, it's important to note that local and regional factors will play a crucial role in determining the health of the Reef. Conditions such as water quality, currents, and local weather patterns, will ultimately influence the Reef's outcomes this summer.

Temperatures

Air temperatures across the Marine Park have continued to be above average as heatwave conditions persist across most of the catchments.

Sea surface temperatures remain between 1-1.5 degreesC above average across most of the Marine Park, with the highest temperature anomalies recorded in the Northern Region. These higher-than-average temperatures are expected to persist throughout summer, with the peak in March.

Recent data shows 2024 was the third hottest year on record for average sea surface temperatures on the Reef.

Rainfall

Above average rainfall is expected to continue throughout January.

Reef health

Forty-one reefs were surveyed across the Marine Park in the past week with a few isolated cases of coral bleaching — reported, mainly in the Central Region. Limited data were gathered from the Northern Region over this time.

Crown-of-thorns starfish numbers are highest in the Southern Region (Swain Reefs) and the Northern 'initiation zone' (Port Douglas to Lizard Island), with isolated outbreaks offshore Townsville and the Whitsundays.

The Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program is prioritising reducing spawning populations in the "initiation zone" to prevent further spread of this coral-eating pest species, with concern the increasing population in this area may trigger waves of secondary outbreaks.

Reef management

As the lead managers of the Reef, we are working closely with our partners to monitor conditions across the Marine Park during these high-risk summer months.

We also use a range of management actions to support and build Reef resilience year-round, including enforcing compliance with our zoning plan and ensuring people enjoy the Reef in a responsible way.

You too can play your part to help protect our iconic Reef. Make sure you know your zones before heading out into the Marine Park and follow safe anchoring practices. Our compliance teams are out in force over the summer so do your bit to protect the Reef, and don't hook a fine!

More information here...