Threats

The Great Barrier Reef is a natural treasure and one of the world's best managed marine areas, but like all tropical coral reefs around the world it’s facing serious threats.

Climate change is the greatest threat to the Reef. The strongest and fastest possible global action on climate change is critical, everyone can make a difference.

Sea temperature plays a critical role in the life of marine species and warming oceans are causing widespread and severe impacts.

The Great Barrier Reef catchment is used for agriculture, urban and industrial development, mining, port activities and island development.

Land-based run-off remains the greatest contributor to poor water quality and is a major contributor to the poor state of many inshore marine ecosystems.

The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2019 identified that fishing continues to negatively affect the health and resilience of the Reef.

Crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks cause significant damage to coral reefs and are one of the major causes of coral decline across the Reef over the past 40 years.

Climate change can affect many aspects of the marine environment. Discover information about ocean currents, sea levels, ocean acidification, storms and cyclones and more.