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Stunning fish spawning spectacle to unfold on the Great Barrier Reef
A spectacular underwater phenomenon is unfolding across the Great Barrier Reef as reef fish gather in mass aggregations – some performing “dance rituals” – for a synchronised annual mass spawning event.
Thousands of reef fish species including coral trout, emperor, cod, surgeonfish and Spanish mackerel converge on key sites, synchronising their release of eggs and sperm into the water column.
Similar to coral spawning, fish spawning is dependent on lunar and water temperature cues – timed with the new moon, tides, sunset and water temperatures of 26 to 28 degrees – typically between October and December.
Sea Country Connections
Return of the water lilies
Threatened by an aggressive invasive weed, the magnificent St Lawrence Wetlands are now undergoing a breathtaking ecological revival. Find out how Isaac Regional Council, a proud Reef Guardian Council, is working alongside Traditional Owners from the Koinmerburra Aboriginal Corporation to successfully restore this vital filtration system to bring back native flora and secure critical fish habitat.
Exciting news at the Aquarium
We are happy to announce the next big milestone for the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium Redevelopment Project. An expression of interest (EOI) is now live on AusTender for 16 different service packages that will help deliver this once-in-a-generation project. The EOI will remain open for four weeks, closing 1 December 2025. This is an exceptional opportunity for industry to help design Australia's national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef.
Lust and love on the Reef
Coral spawning is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most spectacular events - where coral polyps release their eggs and sperm into the water to create the future generation of corals. Triggered by water temperature and the lunar cycle, corals usually spawn on the nights following the October, November, and December full moons – depending on the location of the reef.
Primary school runs successful 'Nemo' nursery
A Townsville primary school’s world-famous Nemo nursery has undergone a major expansion, cementing its status as the world's only primary school to run a successful clownfish breeding program. Primary students aged 5 to 11 are given an unparalleled, real-world experience in aquaculture and marine conservation while directly supporting the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Boosting monitoring network for summer
With summer on the horizon, the Reef Authority is once again expanding our network of trained surveyors across the Reef through our annual Eye on the Reef training events in Airlie Beach and Cairns. These trained professionals and surveyors play a critical role in monitoring and reporting what's happening on the Great Barrier Reef. This provides an early warning system, especially over our higher-risk summer months, when the Reef is more likely to be impacted by higher temperatures, cyclones and other weather events.
Policy update: take of protected species
Following community consultation earlier this year, the Reef Authority has now released our updated policy on the take of protected species. This policy modernises the original 2005 guidance, providing clearer and more contemporary direction for assessing permission requests involving the take of protected species within the Marine Park.
Temporary closure: Coral reef fin fish
Five-day coral reef fin fish closures happen each year in October and November. The upcoming closure in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park will take place from 17 to 21 November 2025. To stay informed and for up-to-date rules and seasonal closure dates download the Fishing 2.0 app. Download Eye on the Reef to access and understand zoning rules in the Marine Park
Meet the new Low Isles caretakers
Tasmanians Don and Lee bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to conservation. They are no strangers to remote living, having spent over a decade travelling the world by yacht and building their own off-grid home. Their volunteer postings on Bruny Island, Deal Island, Tasman Island, and Maatsuyker Island has included conservation efforts and historic heritage maintenance, making them the ideal fit for Low Isles.
Global leadership for healthy reefs
The Reef Authority’s participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress strengthened its global leadership in reef management and climate resilience, fostering valuable partnerships and knowledge exchange with international conservation experts. The Congress provided critical insights, policy influence, and collaboration opportunities that will enhance the Reef Authority’s capacity to protect and sustainably manage the Great Barrier Reef.
50 years of protecting the Marine Park
Our 50th anniversary timeline charts the significant moments, challenges and achievements that have shaped the Reef's story of the past 50 years and beyond.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority acknowledges the continuing Sea Country management and custodianship of the Great Barrier Reef by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect the Reef for future generations.
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