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Reef health update - September 2025

Since July 2024, sea surface temperatures around Australia have been the warmest or second warmest on record. Global ocean temperatures have also stayed well above average.

In September, the Marine Park stayed about 1°C warmer than usual, and these higher temperatures are expected to continue into the Austral summer.

Reef surveys showed minimal coral bleaching, but crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks remain a threat in some areas.

Temperature

In September, sea surface temperatures across the Marine Park were about 0.9–1°C above the long-term average. Forecasts show these warmer-than-usual conditions are likely to continue through October to at least December, especially in the Central and Northern regions.

Rainfall

Rain was recorded along Queensland’s tropical north coast in September, but no flooding or river plumes were reported in the Marine Park.

A negative Indian Ocean Dipole is underway and is likely to persist through spring. This increases the chance of above-average spring rainfall in eastern Australia.

Reef health

During September 2025, 538 Reef Health Impact Surveys were completed across 46 reefs in the Marine Park. Minimal coral bleaching was reported in the outer southern region and no coral bleaching in other areas.

Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) continue to affect many reefs. The worst outbreaks are in the Southern region (Swain Reefs) and in the Northern region between Port Douglas and Lizard Island.

The Reef Authority’s COTS Control Program is targeting both the ongoing fourth wave of outbreaks since 2010 and a fifth wave that began in 2022.
Since 1 July this year, the COTS Control Program and the Reef Joint Field Management Program teams have undertaken surveillance and culling on 72 reefs.

Our response and ongoing work

The Reef Authority works closely with Traditional Owners, researchers, contractors, and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service through the Reef Joint Field Management Program. Together we deliver rapid and coordinated action across the World Heritage Area.

This work focuses on building Reef resilience through:
• Managing crown-of-thorns starfish
• Enforcing compliance with the Reef’s zoning plan
• Supporting responsible tourism and recreation
• Collecting and sharing up-to-date Reef health data to guide decisions

You can help protect the Reef by reporting sightings or incidents through the Eye on the Reef app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store.

For more information, visit https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/reef-...

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