The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure, made up of over 2,900 coral reefs. It stretches over 2,400 km off the coast of Queensland, Australia, and is home to thousands of marine species.
The reef has suffered its largest drop in coral cover in nearly 40 years, mainly in the northern and southern regions. This occurred after severe coral bleaching in 2024.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals are stressed by heat, usually from unusually warm ocean temperatures. They lose the algae that give them color and energy, turning white and becoming more likely to die.
It was the worst ever recorded on the reef. Bleaching was observed across all three reef regions, with some areas showing high to extreme bleaching.
Healthy coral cover supports fish and marine life, protects coastlines, and sustains tourism and fisheries. A decline in coral weakens the entire ecosystem.
Since 2016, there have been five severe bleaching events during summer, each linked to marine heatwaves.
Yes, rising sea temperatures caused by climate change are a major factor behind repeated coral bleaching events.
UNESCO has recommended adding the reef to the list of World Heritage Sites in danger. However, Australia is resisting the move to avoid harming its tourism image.
The reef generates about A$6.4 billion (US$4.2 billion) every year through tourism and related services.
“You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own.” – Wangari Maathai
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