Unprecedented bleaching of coral reefs in Western Australia

Last summer's ocean heatwave, the largest and most devastating ever recorded in Western Australia, has caused unprecedented bleaching of coral reefs.

A supplied image obtained on Monday, August 11, 2025, of a diver assessing reef damage at Tantabiddi Reef, Ningaloo, WA (AAP Image/Supplied by Australian Institute of Marine Science, Declan Stick) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Credit: DECLAN STICK/PR IMAGE

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Unprecedented bleaching of coral reefs in Western Australia

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In 2024 to 2025, Western Australia experienced the widest coral bleaching event ever recorded in the state.

Coral bleaching occurs when the coral expels algae living in its tissues, causing the coral to lose color and appear white.

“This is a combination of the most intense heat waves. This heat wave is also the longest and covers the widest spatial region. So, this heatwave covered 1,500 km of Western Australia's coral reefs and lasted for several months,” said Dr Thomas Holmes, the Marine Science Program Leader at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority divers survey a part of the Barrier Reef off Townsville, on improving the health of the Great Barrier Reef after stalling a UNESCO decision on downgrading the natural wonder’s World Heritage status. (C. Jones/Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority via AP) Credit: C. Jones/AP

More than 100 scientists and marine managers gathered in Perth early the week of August to discuss the data they have collected over the past six months.

They are working to determine how much coral can still recover.

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