Summer is a time of increased risk of impacts for the Great Barrier Reef from threats such as marine heatwaves and cyclones. As Australia’s lead management agency for the Reef, we are working with our partners, particularly the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Bureau of Meteorology, to closely monitor Reef conditions and support Reef resilience throughout this time. 

We will be keeping a close eye on the Reef using satellite, aerial and in-water observations to monitor current conditions. This will include information from scientists, the tourism industry, Crown-of-thorns starfish control teams and Marine Park users who can contribute through the Eye on the Reef App.

The Reef Authority is also working with our partners in the Queensland Government through the Reef Joint Field Management Program to boost Reef resilience through a combination of innovation, conservation, and regulatory actions. These include ensuring strong compliance with Marine Park zoning and engaging with Traditional Owners and the community to maximise all efforts to support Reef health. Our Crown-of-thorns starfish Control Program, conducted in partnership with the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, is protecting coral cover through culling of the coral-eating starfish on strategically targeted reefs that are ecologically and economically important. 

The World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is a vast and spectacular natural ecosystem. Significant global action to address climate change is critical to limiting impacts to the Reef’s ecosystem and heritage values and supporting recovery. Such action will complement and greatly increase the effectiveness of local management actions in the Reef and its catchment. Throughout summer we will post weekly updates on Reef conditions on our website, and we urge those out on the water to report Reef conditions through the Eye on the Reef app.