18 December 2024: The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s underwater survey results have found unprecedented coral death following this year’s mass bleaching event: 41% of coral cover has been lost in a section of the Southern Reef; one third of bleached corals lost in a section of the Northern Reef.
Australia must do more to battle climate change and end fossil fuel projects if we are to save the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s shaping up to be another tough summer for the Reef with temperatures already 0.5-1.0C above average. Heat is continuing to build up in the water and the northern Reef is on a warning level for coral bleaching.
More than ever we need strong government action to protect our irreplaceable Reef.
We have the solutions: the Australian and Queensland governments must implement the 22 expert recommendations in UNESCO and IUCN’s reef monitoring report – it’s the clear roadmap to save our iconic Reef.
Urge the government to implement these Reef-saving actions now:
- Cut domestic climate pollution by 75% by 2030, and stop approving new fossil fuel projects. Australia must do its fair share to enact climate policies to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees C – a critical threshold for the survival of coral reefs.
- Improve water quality to meet the 2025 water quality targets by enforcing regulations, repair degraded gullies and restore coastal wetlands
- End tree clearing and protect native vegetation in Reef catchments
- Stop gillnet fishing and monitor trawling catches to protect threatened species such as dugongs and turtles
Our Reef is under immense pressure. This is the decade to focus on solutions to local threats and meaningful climate action.
Add your name to let the Federal Environment Minister know you want action taken now.
Header image credit: CoralWatch and Caitlin Lawson. Coral bleaching on GBR March 2024.