2.4 Condition and trend — populations of species and groups of species

Icon showing that the overall grade for this component is poor and stable since 2019.

Sixteen species groups are graded in terms of condition of populations and changes over the past 5 years due to human activities or changing environmental conditions. Of these, mangroves have remained in very good condition and 7 other groups (seagrasses, benthic algae, plankton and microbes, bony fishes, estuarine crocodiles, whales, and dolphins) are assessed as good. Eight species groups (corals, invertebrates other than corals, sharks and rays, sea snakes, marine turtles, seabirds, shorebirds, and dugongs) are in poor condition. 

The full assessment summary is in Section 2.5.2.

The Region is home to thousands of species and new species are still being identified.5 It provides particularly important habitat for species of conservation concern, such as dugongs, whales, dolphins, seabirds, marine turtles, sharks, and rays. The Great Barrier Reef’s inscription on the World Heritage List recognises the global significance of its species diversity. With increasing sea temperatures, the ranges of some species are changing,254 resulting in new records in some areas.

  • 5. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2019, Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2019, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville.
  • 254. Booth, D.J. and Beretta, G.A. 2002, Changes in a fish assemblage after a coral bleaching event, Marine Ecology Progress Series 245: 205-212.