Reef health update | 30 April 2026

Sea surface temperatures continue to ease across the Marine Park, and with the changing of seasons we are seeing the last of the turtle hatchlings and seabird nesting, as humpback and Minke whales begin arriving in the Reef’s breeding grounds.

Queensland’s wet season is also coming to an end, with rainfall over the summer months among the highest levels recorded since 1900.

Temperature

Sea surface temperatures declined slightly, dropping by 0.3–0.5°C across the Marine Park, temperatures remain 0.4–0.5°C above the long-term April average.

Rainfall

Weekly rainfall totals were below average across most Marine Park catchments, with less than 50mm recorded.

Reef health

Over the past week, 43 Reef Health Impact Surveys were conducted across six reefs.

In the North ...