Reef health update – 5 March 2026

Описание: Reef health update – 5 March 2026

Summary

A tropical low is developing in the Coral Sea off the east coast of North Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology advises there is currently a low to moderate chance of it developing into a tropical cyclone. Increased wave action from this system may affect some shallow reef habitats.

Monsoonal activity and the tropical low are expected to bring heavy rainfall to most Marine Park catchments. This increases the risk of flooding and freshwater runoff into the Marine Park.

SeaWeek 2026 is being celebrated from 28 February to 8 March, with this year’s theme “Caring for Planet Water”. The week highlights the importance of ocean literacy and the role healthy oceans play in regulating climate, supporting biodiversity and sustaining communities. It’s a timely reminder of the connection between weather, water quality and Reef health, and the shared responsibility to care for our marine environment.

Temperature

Heat stress continues to build across parts of the Marine Park. Some reefs in the far northern and northern regions are experiencing conditions that may lead to bleaching in heat-sensitive corals.

Over the past week, sea surface temperatures in the far northern region increased from 29.5°C to 30°C and are now about 1.5°C above the long-term monthly average. Sea surface temperatures in the north regions are also about 1.5°C above the long-term monthly average while those in the Central and Southern regions remained relatively stable at 0.8°C to 1°C above average.

Rainfall

Rainfall was average across most Marine Park catchments over the past week. However, monsoonal activity and the tropical low are expected to bring heavier rainfall in the coming week.

Reef health

Over the past week, 91 Reef Health Impact Surveys were completed across six reefs in the northern and central regions.

Low levels of coral bleaching (1–10%) were recorded on four northern reefs and one central reef. One northern reef also recorded low levels of physical damage (e.g. from anchors). No disease was recorded in surveys.

Eye on the Reef monitoring programs also reported coral bleaching on 12 of the 28 reefs surveyed. No surveyed reefs showed fully bleached or recently dead coral colonies.

Crown-of-thorns starfish control

As of 28 February 2026, the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program and Reef Joint Field Management Program response teams have surveyed and, where needed, culled starfish on 157 reefs this financial year.

Of these reefs:
• Crown-of-thorns starfish are at sustainable levels on 61 reefs (39%).
• Active culling is underway on 57 reefs (36%) to suppress outbreaks.
• Starfish have been detected on 39 reefs (25%), and these reefs will be targeted for culling based on priority and actioned when operationally feasible.

The program uses a science-based prioritisation process to focus effort on reefs with high ecological and economic value, with the aim of maximising coral protection.

Our response and ongoing work

Management actions remain focused on supporting Reef resilience, including enforcing compliance with zoning rules and encouraging responsible use of the Marine Park.

The Reef Authority continues to work closely with the Reef Joint Field Management Program, the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program, researchers, tourism operators, contractors and partners to ensure management actions are guided by the latest data from across the World Heritage Area.

For more information, visit - www.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/reef-health/reef-health-updates

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