Condition of ecological processes in the Great Barrier Reef

Key Finding

Ecological processes, including microbial processes, particle feeding, primary production and competition remain poorly understood. The loss of some coral habitats in 2016 and 2017 has affected some key ecological processes, particularly those associated with coral, such as particle feeding, primary production, recruitment and reef building. The deteriorating condition of many ecological processes has affected the integrity of the Reef’s outstanding universal value. Ecological processes are expected to continue to decline due to climate change impacts and inshore land-based run-off.

Population recruitment is reduced for many key species, in particular, corals, fishes and some marine turtles and seabirds, largely due to chronic and acute disturbances.

Changes in the abundance of reef-associated predators across the Reef have been variable. A large group of predators—the sharks and rays—has been assessed as being in poor condition.

Reef building has deteriorated, largely due to the combined effects of unprecedented declines in coral cover and crustose coralline algae in some areas in response to thermal bleaching events.

Other processes such as connectivity, particle feeding and competition are considered in good condition, but have deteriorated since the Great Barrier Reef Outlook 2014 assessment.

Processes which remain in very good to good condition with a stable or no-consistent trend include microbial processes, primary production and herbivory.

More information:

• Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2019, and references therein

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals’ targets

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