When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Australia, it’s hard to trump the Great Barrier Reef. This underwater wonderland, just off the coast of Queensland, is the largest coral reef system on Earth, stretching more than 344,400 square kilometres and comprising more than 1,050 islands and 3,000 individual reefs. However, its future is in serious jeopardy.
In April 2024, the Great Barrier Reef suffered its most widespread coral bleaching event on record, caused by intense heat stress from rising global sea temperatures. This sent shockwaves all around the world, marking the fourth global coral bleaching event and the seventh mass bleaching event for the Great Barrier Reef since 1998.
While our world’s reef systems are under greater threat than ever, the upside is that we’re in the best position to tackle climate change and save the Great Barrier Reef before it’s too late. Learning about the current state of our reef, its biggest threats and how you can help are the best ways to start.
Is the Great Barrier Reef dying?
Our planet has lost half of its coral reef systems since the 1950s, and without rapid action, the Great Barrier Reef could disappear entirely. This urgency for action escalated after the Great Barrier Reef Authority declared another widespread coral bleaching event in April 2024, where all three regions of the marine park experienced extreme bleaching levels for the very first time.
Great Barrier Reef Authority chief scientist, Dr Roger Beeden, listed “above average water temperatures, widespread coral bleaching, two cyclones and continued crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks” as the main causes of the latest mass bleaching event.
Contrary to popular belief, bleached coral stands a chance of recovering if water temperatures drop and future impacts are minimised.
“The coral bleaching event is not yet over. Although water temperatures have cooled, some corals are still bleached and may remain bleached for several months,” added Dr Beeden. “Partially bleached corals have a higher likelihood of recovering…(but) fully bleached corals are more likely to die. We don’t yet know the full extent of coral mortality.”
What are the biggest threats faced by the Great Barrier Reef?
Climate change poses the greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide, particularly heat stress caused by rising ocean temperatures over summer and amplified by the recent El Niño phenomenon. Anna Marsden, managing director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation explains that warmer waters are “forcing marine species to move to cooler habitats, disrupting food supplies and breeding cycles, and threatening entire ecosystems.
“Additionally, ocean acidification is making it more difficult for corals to build skeletons and form reefs, while more frequent and intense weather events like cyclones, flooding and storms are battering the reefs that remain.”
Marsden also points out local threats impacting the Great Barrier Reef specifically, including poor water quality, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish, unsustainable fishing practices and coastal development.
Is the Great Barrier Reef recovering from the recent mass coral bleaching event?
In early 2022, following four of the most deadly marine heatwaves ever seen, the Great Barrier Reef experienced a notable increase in coral levels – some of the highest recorded in three decades. This development sparked hope amongst many, suggesting that if the impacts of climate change can be mitigated, the reef holds potential for recovery.
Dr Beeden explains: “The Coral Reef Condition report published by the Australian Institute of Marine Science in 2022, found that between August 2021 and May 2022, average hard coral cover in the region north of Cooktown increased to 36 per cent (from 27 per cent in 2021) and 33 per cent in the central Great Barrier Reef (from 26 per cent in 2021)”.
While the relatively cooler La Niña conditions offered a brief respite for coral recovery in the north and central regions, the southern region experienced a decline in average coral cover from 38 per cent in 2021 to 34 per cent in 2022.
Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland notes: “Given the reef is the size of Japan, disturbances affect it at a range of local and regional scales…You may look in one direction and observe corals that have expelled the algae that gives them colour but look in a different direction and you will see healthy corals that have not been impacted by the bleaching”.
The truth about the Great Barrier Reef’s ‘comeback’
While the rise in coral cover sounds promising, it’s important to note that much of the new growth is mainly of a coral family called acropora. Though fast-growing, this coral is easily destroyed by cyclones – which are increasing in frequency and intensity – and is a popular food for crown-of-thorns starfish.
The increasing population of acropora coral also raises concerns for coral diversity, which is critical for maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem. Reduced diversity means fewer habitats and food sources for the reef’s many species of fish and marine creatures.
Therefore, although regions of the reef appeared to bounce back in 2022, it’s a two-sided story. Without rapid action against climate change, future opportunities for coral recovery will continue to dwindle.
Should people still be visiting the Great Barrier Reef?
Despite what you might think, visiting the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best ways we can help conserve its rich and diverse ecosystem. In my role as Travel and News Editor at Time Out Australia, I was lucky enough to visit the reef earlier this year and it opened my eyes to the reality of what’s happening below deck. While it was devastating to see dead patches of the reef firsthand, discovering thriving areas brimming with coral and fish made me even more determined to play my part in saving it.
Olsen explains that tourism “contributes directly to its conservation and management as high-value operators play a role in monitoring and protecting the health of the reef”.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority has 26 contracted tourism operators who monitor the reef’s health at the sites they visit daily. Every visitor contributes to this effort through an Environmental Management Charge included in their trip fee. This ultimately supports daily monitoring and maintenance, and funds research aimed at improving the reef’s long-term resilience.
What are the key initiatives taking place to protect the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Great Barrier Reef Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) are collaborating closely with tourism operators to protect our remaining coral reefs. Their work is grounded in a commitment to walking alongside and learning from reef traditional owners, integrating modern marine park management and traditional knowledge to protect this irreplaceable World Heritage Area.
Since 2015, the Queensland government has committed more than $1 billion to actions that protect our reef. Local strategies have included improving land conditions, reducing water pollution, removing harmful species like the crown-of-thorns starfish and restoring reefs with coral IVF.
What can people do to help preserve the Great Barrier Reef?
“Climate change remains the greatest threat to the reef and everyone, anywhere can do their bit by taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr Beeden.
Simple steps include cutting down electricity usage, such as turning off power at the wall and choosing energy-efficient appliances. Dr Beeden also suggests reducing carbon emissions by opting for sustainable transport, using renewable energy and avoiding single-use plastics.
“While the reef will continue to be impacted by warming ocean temperatures, it’s not too late to protect it if we all work together,” Marsden adds.
You can support the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s conservation efforts by donating to their Reef Rescue Appeal and learning more about how you can help here.
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