Reef health update – 12 February 2026

Summary

Sea surface temperatures have increased slightly across the Far North, North and Central regions over the past week, with little change in the southern region. Temperatures are tracking slightly above the long-term average with the Northern region (Cooktown – Innisfail) experiencing above-average conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a tropical low (23U) to form in the Coral Sea. There is a low chance (5–10%) it will develop into a tropical cyclone by the weekend. The system is expected to remain offshore and may bring localised rainfall to Marine Park catchments in the coming week.

The breeding season continues across the Reef, with turtle hatchlings emerging from nests and making their way to the sea from late January through April, especially at dawn and dusk. Seabirds are also nesting and feeding across island and reef habitats, and many fish species are spawning and laying eggs during the warm summer months, taking advantage of the productive wet season conditions.

Temperature

Sea surface temperatures are currently around 0.4–0.5°C above the long-term average in the Far Northern, Central and Southern regions. The Northern region is averaging around 1°C above the long-term monthly average.

While there has been some accumulation of heat stress, particularly in northern Reef waters, this remains below the level where we would expect to see significant coral bleaching impacts.

Rainfall

From 2–8 February, rainfall was lower than expected in the Marine Park catchments, with average rainfall occurring in the Wet Tropics and Mackay–Whitsundays. Heavy rainfall is currently forecast in areas which may be affected by the Tropical Low 23U.

Reef health

America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) coral bleaching alert level for the Northern region has moved from bleaching watch to bleaching warning, meaning coral bleaching is possible, following the recent temperature increases. Monitoring is ongoing across the Marine Park.

During the past week, 86 Reef Health Impact Surveys were completed across 10 reefs in the Northern, Central and Southern regions.

Low to medium levels of coral bleaching (1–30%) were recorded on four reefs in the Northern region and one reef in the central region. Most surveyed reefs showed no to low levels of bleaching.

Additional observations from Eye on the Reef monitoring programs reported coral bleaching on 11 of the 26 reefs surveyed. Impacts remain localised and are being closely monitored.

Crown-of-thorns starfish control

The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program continues to manage ongoing outbreaks across the Marine Park, with updates shared in the first weekly Reef Health Update of each month.

Our response and ongoing work

Marine Monitoring Program teams and partners are sampling water quality and tracking flood plumes in the Burdekin. On Magnetic Island, training is underway to support local citizen scientists to help monitor water quality.

Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks continue across the Marine Park and specialised dive teams are working across targeted reefs to survey and cull these predatory starfish.

Management efforts remain focused on supporting Reef resilience, including enforcing zoning rules, encouraging responsible use of the Marine Park and responding early to emerging risks.

The Reef Authority continues to work closely with the Reef Joint Field Management Program, the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Program, researchers, tourism operators, contractors and partners to ensure decisions are guided by up-to-date information.

For more information, visit - www.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/reef-health/reef-health-updates