Reef health update | 07 May 2026

Sea surface temperatures continued to ease across the Marine Park this week.

Queensland’s wet season has also come to an end, ranking as the 9th wettest on record since 1900, with most Marine Park catchments receiving above-average rainfall.

Climate conditions remain neutral, however, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) are warming. Current Bureau of Meteorology outlooks indicate a possible El Niño developing by late winter, which could bring drier conditions to Northern Queensland in the months ahead.

Temperature

Sea surface temperatures declined slightly, dropping by 0.3–0.6°C across the Marine Park.

Over the coming month, temperatures are expected to sit close to average, a ...