September 2026 | View previous edition

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The largest, most comprehensive assessment of the Status of the World's Coral Reefs has just been released by the Global Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN). This group of international experts – which AIMS has coordinated for over 30 years – found that average hard coral cover measured globally in 2020-2024 has declined by 9.5% from the reference period measured between 1980 and 2009.

As well as providing a global overview, it covers 10 geographic regions.

Promotional image for the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 report from the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network

Read the report

So how do Australian coral reefs compare?

Australia’s coral reefs are in relatively good condition compared to coral reefs globally, although coral cover on our reefs has declined in the past 40 years – reflecting the global trend.

The report finds that average coral cover on Australian reefs has fallen from 30.2% in the 1980-2009 reference period to 26.8% in 2020-2024, a 10.9% relative decline.

Quote graphic from AIMS scientist and global coordinator of the GCRMN Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero, saying: "The strongest pathway to safeguard coral reefs is rapid emissions reductions, effective action on local pressures and sustained long-term monitoring so action is targeted where it matters most."

The monitoring data also showed recovery was still possible. Globally, there was a 6% relative increase in hard coral cover between 2017 and 2019 after the Third Global Coral Bleaching Event, showing reefs still have the capacity to at least partially recover.

However, this recovery has been reversed by unprecedented losses from the recent Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event. The report does not include a full assessment of impacts from this event, which affected reef across Australia in 2024-25.

More news from AIMS

Cameras on whale sharks reveal they are the snackers of the sea

New video evidence has revealed whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, are serial snackers, feeding on large amounts of small prey at all ocean depths, according to research led by AIMS and Murdoch University.

Australian and Maldivian scientists assembling coral seeding devices in a tank

Year 2 of ReefSeed in the Maldives raises more young corals

AIMS researchers returned once more to the Maldives to continue their collaborative work guiding reef restoration trials using the self-sufficient ReefSeed system.

A Niskin bottle for sampling marine microbes hangs suspended by a tether over a coral reef

The Great Barrier Reef has a microbiome too

We can now measure changes in the thousands of different and invisible microbes that contribute to healthy reef communities.

Scientists and Indigenous Rangers at computers on board a research vessel

Learning more about Australia's remote Northwest reefs with Indigenous rangers

Offshore Northwest reefs Rankin Bank and Glomar Shoal are remote and little known. On AIMS' latest trip, scientists were joined by two Indigenous Rangers from the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.

National Science Week @ AIMS

Collage image of five marine scientists in labs and aquaculture facilities presenting to camera

This National Science Week we asked our scientists to showcase some of the cool kit that helps us understand Australia’s tropical ocean. Their videos were shared across AIMS social media channels.

WATCH HERE

Jordan Ivey presenting to public at Queensland Museum Tropics

Other AIMS researchers also discussed our science at public events, including Jordan Ivey at Queensland Museum Tropics and Dr James Gilmour at the WA Maritime Museum.

James Gilmour presenting to public at the WA Maritime Museum

Promotional card for the Reef In Focus podcast with Dr David Williamson and Dr Mike Emslie

Another highlight of the week was an appearance by Dr Mike Emslie on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Reef In Focus podcast. Mike discussed 40 years of AIMS' Long-Term Reef Monitoring Program with the Authority's Dr David Williamson.

LISTEN HERE

Strictly socials

Infographic representing 440 bony fish detected in the Exmouth Gulf

Epic eDNA results from the Exmouth Gulf, revealing the region's impressive biodiversity. Instagram

Industry partners and AIMS' Dr Mikaela Nordborg reflect on PDP training during coral spawning. Facebook

AIMS staff #WearItPurple on 28 August in support of LGBTQIA+SB young people. I nstagram

Social media image announcing a new scientific paper asking "How do habitat changes from offshore wind impact fisheries species?"

An intriguing international study on how offshore wind impacts fisheries species. LinkedIn

AIMS scientists present at ICRS and AMSA

Over 30 AIMS experts travelled to Auckland in July to attend the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), the world's largest gathering of reef scientists, held every four years. Among the AIMS presenters were Prof Cynthia Riginos (who delivered a plenary on seascape genomics) and AIMS CEO Prof Selina Stead.

More recently, AIMS researchers showcased their science at the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) in Canberra. Jordan Ivey presented on his work with the Indigenous Futures project, having been awarded this year's Melissa George Excellence in Sea Country award by AMSA.

Professor Peter Steinberg appointed

AIMS welcomes internationally renowned marine scientist Prof Peter Steinberg as the inaugural Chair of the National Sea Simulator Advisory Group, responsible for reviewing and recommending research applications to the SeaSim Access Program, with final approvals made by the AIMS CEO.

AIMS in the news

We attached cameras to whale sharks and captured krill chases never witnessed before | The Conversation

Indigenous knowledge helps reveal the ties between reefs and mangroves | Mongabay

Coral reefs are running out of time to recover, research finds | New York Times

Scientists uncover 300,000 viruses and 500 new bacteria living in the Great Barrier Reef's unique microbiome | IFL Science

man in lab with a camera filming him talking

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