LeadStory

What is the news on the Great Barrier Reef?

Asked 2 hours ago

Answer

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered its largest decline in coral cover in nearly 40 years, mainly due to a mass coral bleaching event driven by a global marine heatwave. Both the northern and southern regions experienced significant losses, with up to a third of coral cover lost in some areas. Experts emphasize the urgent need for climate action to protect the reef's future.

Now Playing

Reuters

Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline

Reuters ยท Just In
Reuters
Reuters
Just In
  • The Great Barrier Reef has suffered its largest coral cover decline in two of its three regions.
  • A mass coral bleaching event, driven by a global marine heatwave, is responsible for the decline. 17s
  • Coral cover dropped by about a quarter in the north and almost a third in the south between 2024 and 2025. 33s
  • The 2024 bleaching event had the largest footprint ever recorded on the reef. 1m 20s
  • Experts emphasize the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to secure the reef's future. 2m 14s
ClimateEnvironment

References

Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline
Icon
Reuters
5 hours ago
Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline

In the northern Great Barrier Reef, coral cover dropped by about a quarter between 2024 and 2025, and in the southern reef, almost one-third of high coral cover was lost.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline
Icon
Reuters
5 hours ago
Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline

The 2024 bleaching event had the largest footprint ever recorded on the reef, with high to extreme bleaching across all three regions.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline
Icon
Reuters
5 hours ago
Australia's Great Barrier Reef suffers record coral decline

Climate change is identified as the biggest threat to coral reefs globally and to the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef sees steepest decline in hard coral on record
Icon
10 News First
10 hours ago
Great Barrier Reef sees steepest decline in hard coral on record

The Great Barrier Reef has recorded its steepest decline of hard coral cover since records began almost 40 years ago.

Great Barrier Reef sees steepest decline in hard coral on record
Icon
10 News First
10 hours ago
Great Barrier Reef sees steepest decline in hard coral on record

Recent years had shown record coral growth, but the impact of climate change-induced heat stress, cyclones, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks has led to significant losses.

What Are People Asking?