The 2024–25 coral bleaching event off Western Australia’s North West coast has been the most severe ever recorded in the region, driven by an unprecedented marine heatwave. Stretching across 1,500 kilometres, this heatwave has devastated coral ecosystems, with some areas experiencing over 90% coral mortality. Iconic reefs like Ningaloo and Rowley Shoals have been hit hard, threatening marine biodiversity, local economies, and cultural heritage.
Scientists have long warned that climate change would lead to such outcomes, and this event underscores the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and halt new fossil fuel developments. Protecting vulnerable areas like Exmouth Gulf is critical to preserving what remains of these vital ecosystems.
“The vast scale of the impacts along WA’s coastline and offshore reefs is hard to comprehend – this is unprecedented harm and needs an unprecedented leadership response from WA and federal governments.”
Paul Gamblin – Australian Marine Conservation Society
Source: Australian Marine Conservation Society 14 August 2025
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