Sea surface temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have risen slightly, particularly in far northern areas, but heat stress remains below levels for widespread coral bleaching. Monitoring shows low to medium bleaching on several reefs, while the region experiences a busy breeding season for marine life. Authorities continue efforts to support reef resilience amid these conditions.
Sea surface temperatures across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park increased slightly over the past week, with the rise most notable in far northern areas due to reduced cloud cover. Current temperatures sit between 0.8 and 1.2 degrees above long-term monthly averages, though experts indicate that accumulated heat stress is still below thresholds that would trigger widespread coral bleaching.
Forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology predict warmer-than-average conditions persisting in the far northern region through March, while other areas should stay within manageable limits. A gradual cooling is expected starting in April. In the coming week, a broad low-pressure trough will likely bring more rainfall, especially to the Cape York and Wet Tropics catchments. Recent rainfall has been average or below in most areas, except for the Burnett–Mary region, where some spots saw over 100 millimetres in one day.
Teams conducted 105 Reef Health Impact Surveys on 18 reefs across northern, central, and southern regions last week. These found low to medium levels of coral bleaching—ranging from 1 to 30 per cent—on seven reefs. The Eye on the Reef program reported bleaching on 16 out of 32 surveyed reefs. No instances of fully bleached or recently dead coral were noted, keeping impacts localised.
The period also features a vibrant breeding season, underscored by a rare flatback turtle sighting off Cape Tribulation. Turtle hatchlings are emerging from nests, seabirds are nesting on islands, and various fish species are spawning. Ongoing control measures target crown-of-thorns starfish, with dive teams surveying and culling the coral-eating pests on selected reefs.
Marine monitoring operates at 34 sites along more than 1,000 kilometres of coastline, including water quality tests to assess weather effects on nearby reefs. Authorities emphasise active monitoring, compliance enforcement, and responsible use of the Marine Park to bolster reef resilience. As one report notes, "The Reef Authority continues to work closely with official organisations to provide accurate reports on the health of one of the country’s most treasured gems."