Reef health update | 23 April 2026

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Maila crossed Cape York Peninsula as a tropical low on 15 April, bringing moderate rainfall of up to 50mm to coastal Cape York and Wet Tropics catchments.

Sea surface temperatures continue to ease, and with the changing of seasons we are now seeing the first humpback whales arriving in the Marine Park, as they migrate from Antarctic waters to their traditional breeding grounds.

A recent Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service voyage in the Far Northern region completed 75 surveys across five reefs, providing early insights into cyclone impacts. Reefs closest to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s path showed moderate to severe structural damage, while more sheltered reefs to the south of the cyclone’s path recorded low to minimal impacts. Damage w ...