Reef health update | June 2026

While heat stress has eased across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from summer, sea surface temperatures remain slightly above average in some regions for this time of year.

Climate conditions remain neutral; however, there are increasing signs that an El Niño may develop later this year, bringing drier conditions to northern Queensland in the months ahead.

As winter settles across the Reef, seasonal wildlife sightings are increasing. The annual humpback whale migration is now underway, with thousands of whales expected to travel through the Marine Park on their journey from Antarctic feeding grounds to breeding and calving areas in tropical waters. Dwarf minke whales are also beginning to arrive in northern Reef waters, while manta ray sightings have increased during these cool ...