Great Barrier Reef health update - 15 January 2025

Reef health update © GBRMPA

Heatwave conditions and above average rainfall have continued across much of the Marine Park over the past week contributing to heat stress on the Great Barrier Reef.

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns are consistent with a developing La Niña which is unusual for this time of year.

It's important to note that local and regional factors will play a crucial role in determining the health of the Reef. Specific conditions in the area, 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 been above average as heatwave conditions persist across most of the catchment.

Sea surface temperatures were between 0.8-1.2 degreesC above average across most of the Marine Park, with the highest temperature anomalies recorded in the Northern region. These are forecast to persist for the rest of the week, with temperature anomalies expected to peak in March.

Rainfall

Rainfall totals ranged from 50 to 100mm across the Marine Park catchment, with isolated areas receiving more than 100mm.

Minor flooding has been reported in some rivers in the Central and Southern region catchments, but there are no reports of flood plumes in the Marine Park.

Above average rainfall is expected to continue throughout January.

Reef health

A few cases of minor coral bleaching have been reported in the Marine Park in the past week, mostly in the Central and Northern regions.

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 of Townsville and the Whitsundays.

The Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program is prioritising the reduction of spawning populations in the "initiation zone" to prevent further spread of this coral-eating pest species.

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.

Our Marine Park compliance patrols have been out in force over the holiday period, particularly at known illegal fishing hotspots, to ensure Marine Park users are doing the right thing to minimise additional stress to the Great Barrier Reef.

You can do your bit to help protect this World Heritage-listed natural wonder. Make sure you know your zones before heading into the Marine Park and report what you see through the Eye on the Reef App.

More information here...