Great Barrier Reef shows early signs of recovery after cooler summer

Sydney: The Great Barrier Reef is showing “initial recovery” after a monsoon brought cooler waters and more cloud cover, easing bleaching this year, the Australian Institute of Marine Science reported.

The Reef has faced six mass bleaching events between 2016 and 2025. But AIMS’ survey of 121 reefs found coral cover rose 16.7% in the Northern Region and 10.2% in the Central Region compared to last year. The Southern Region saw a 2% decline, but all three regions remain at or near long-term averages.

“While the Reef is showing resilience, it is being pushed and its capacity to recover is limited,” said AIMS scientist Dr. Mike Emslie. He urged action on emissions, reef management, and science interventions to support recovery.

Most reefs surveyed had moderate to high coral cover, with only three below 10%.