Overview

• The northern sector lost 25 percent of hard coral cover, the central region 14 percent and the southern nearly 30 percent, marking the largest yearly declines on record.
• Back-to-back bleaching in 2024 and early 2025 compounded by cyclones and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks has heightened ecosystem volatility.
• Overall coral cover remains close to long-term averages after previous record highs partially cushioned the impact of recent losses.
• Scientists warn that without more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2035, the reef’s capacity to recover will be critically undermined.
• The Great Barrier Reef underpins biodiversity, fisheries and tourism worth billions annually, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding its resilience.