Sea surface temperatures across the Kimberley, Pilbara and northern Gascoyne coasts continue to remain above average since December 2024, leading to widespread coral bleaching.

To date, reports of coral bleaching have been received from the Kimberley, Ashmore Reef, Rowley Shoals, Barrow Island, Dampier Archipelago, inshore Pilbara, Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo.

In response, regional teams and senior marine scientists at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have rolled-out rapid in-water surveys at priority sites to track the progression of bleaching.

In mid-February 2025, DBCA completed two weeks of in-water surveys at Ningaloo Marine Park in partnership with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, with follow-up aerial surveys confirming the presence of bleaching along the length of the reef. 

In early March, aerial surveys by DBCA and Traditional Owners confirmed bleaching at in-shore and mid-shore locations along the Kimberley coast.  

Surveys are also continuing at Coral Bay, Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Tantabiddi throughout March.

DBCA Senior Research Scientist Tom Holmes has been monitoring the condition of shallow water environments along WA’s coastline since 2009.

“Targeted surveys of the current event builds on DBCA’s long-term monitoring programs across WA’s marine park network, including those documenting the impacts of a previous marine heatwave event from 2011-2013,” Dr Holmes said.

“We’re currently planning further surveys of seagrass, dugong, fish, invertebrate, algae and coral communities across impacted areas. 

“Corals can remain bleached for extended periods and follow-up surveys are required in six to 12 months to determine the full impact. 

“DBCA remains committed to working closely with our joint management partners, tourism operators, conservation groups and the science community to gather further insights and coordinate our efforts.”  

DBCA is an active member of the Western Australian Coral Bleaching Group; a collaboration between key government and science agencies in WA, including the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Members of the public can report coral bleaching via the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s ArcGIS Collector app. For more information, visit www.aims.gov.au/research-topics/environmental-issues/coral-bleaching/field-app-record-bleaching

To report sick, injured or distressed wildlife, contact the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055, and report fish kills to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fish Watch Hotline on 1800 815 507.