Parts of the Unesco World Heritage site are now showing the highest levels of coral cover in 36 years, according to the Australian Marine Institute.
According to the researchers, the northern and central parts of the reef have recovered from damage faster than expected – mainly thanks to the fast-growing coral species Acropora.
“The results show that the reef can still recover during periods free of intense disturbance,” says Paul Hardisty, CEO of the Marine Institute.
Vulnerable position
However, Hardisty cautions against cashing out the winnings in advance. Cyclones, coral bleaching and disease outbreaks can easily reverse the trend.
One such example is found in the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef. There it looked like the coral reef was recovering, but now it’s receding again.
“This shows how vulnerable the reef is to the continued acute and severe disturbances that occur more often and last longer,” says Hardisty.
Almost threatened
For years, there have been warnings about the poor condition the Great Barrier Reef is in. Last year, two-thirds of the once colorful coral reef was estimated to be damaged in some way. Increased sea temperatures and increasingly extreme weather are believed to be behind the destruction of the reef, along with overexploitation and extensive tourism.
However, through intensive campaigning, Australia managed to prevent the UN’s world heritage agency Unesco from classifying the Great Barrier Reef as threatened. The coral reef brings in a lot of money for the country’s tourism industry.