Together with Traditional Owners, we are developing a Southern Plan of Management for the Great Barrier Reef. The project team recently joined Darumbal Elders on Country to commence mapping vital cultural heritage and Sea Country values, from physical landmarks to ancient songlines. Initial workshops have now been conducted with our four southern Reef Traditional Owner partners providing opportunities for integration of Traditional knowledge and western science for future Reef management. 

Saving the shoreline, safeguarding the turtles

A popular camping destination south of Mackay, Notch Point, is also a critical nesting site for marine turtles and home to the endangered coastal vine thicket. As a Reef Guardian Council, Isaac Regional Council is preserving this haven by managing beach access and restoring native vegetation. These efforts protect critical habitats, and food sources for vulnerable species, including the glossy black cockatoo and northern quoll.

Star Wars on the Reef

“Star Wars” is unfolding on the Great Barrier Reef as researchers rapidly respond to a new crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak off Cairns. The Reef Authority is scaling-up operations and deploying Crown-of-thorns starfish Control Program divers to high-value reefs between Cairns and Lizard Island to suppress numbers of the coral-eating starfish.

Another day in paradise

The Great Barrier Reef has an undeniable magnetic pull — strong enough to draw Canadian Jennifer Cowman across the world and change her life forever. “The thought of going to Australia and studying the Great Barrier Reef was so fascinating because it was this iconic place that I only ever saw on TV or in textbooks." Jenn said.

Schools inspiring change

The future of the Great Barrier Reef depends on the choices we make today and on the generations we inspire to follow. The Reef Education Team is helping lead that effort through the Reef Guardian School program, where sustainability is not just a subject but a mindset: a way of thinking, acting and connecting that fosters long-term environmental stewardship.

Reef report provided to UNESCO

Australia has submitted the State Party Report on the state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef to UNESCO. The report outlines actions to protect the Reef, including responding to climate change impacts, improving water quality,
managing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, supporting sustainable fishing, and delivering Reef restoration and adaptation initiatives. 

Reef health updates

As lead managers of the Great Barrier Reef, we keep an eye on its health year-round. Our updates are released weekly over summer, covering sea surface temperatures, rainfall and floods, cyclones, crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, and coral disease. The updates are based on the best available science and help to inform management actions for a healthy Great Barrier Reef.