Signs of Life: Coral Cover Rebounds on the Great Barrier Reef

The Australian Institute of Marine Science's latest survey has revealed coral cover on northern and central sections of the Great Barrier Reef at the highest levels recorded since monitoring began in 1986.

Fast-growing Acropora species are leading the comeback, although scientists caution these same corals are the most vulnerable to the next marine heatwave.

Reef managers are coupling natural recovery with active interventions: heat-tolerant coral seeding, crown-of-thorns starfish control, and stricter water-quality rules for agricultural runoff in Queensland.

The recovery does not erase the long-term threat. With ocean temperatures still climbing, researchers say humanity has a narrow window to lock in emissions cuts before reefs run out of breathing room.