Coral on Great Barrier Reef at Fifth Highest Level Since Records Began

But mainstream media still spin a 'tipping point' narrative.

Despite signs of recovery in the last few months, coral on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) failed to hit its fourth record year of growth. Alas, coral levels are now only at their fifth highest level since consistent observations began almost 40 years ago. Heavy bleaching in 2024, most likely caused by the water temperature spikes of a powerful El Niño ocean oscillation, led to reductions across the Reef, particularly in the cooler waters of the South. Nevertheless, coral cover remains above the long-term average – in the Central region the cover of 28.6% compared with the long-term average of 19.8% – according to the latest 2024-25 survey from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). As water temperatures return to previous levels, the recovery appears to be under way. Individual AIMS reef surveys concluded up to March 2025 show “bleaching prevalence” at "high" on one reef, "medium" on seven and "low" on 38. Ending in May, this had fallen to 0, 0 and 30 respectively.

In its latest up-date report on the health of the GBR, the Reef Authority observed slightly elevated sea temperatures in July around the Reef, although these are too low to temporarily stress the coral. It was noted that 338 individual health impact surveys were completed between June 1st and July 20th this year across 44 individual reefs in the Northern, Central and Southern Marine Park regions. “No coral bleaching was observed during this period,” it was reported.