"The amount of coral in some areas of the Great Barrier Reef is at its highest in 36 years, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

From August 2021 to May 2022, the central and northern regions of the Great Barrier Reef had hard coral cover levels of 33% and 36%, respectively. Coral cover decreased by 4% in the southern region, due to an outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish.

The Australian agency found that 87 coral reefs generally had low levels of acute stress from things such as cyclones and increases in the crown-of-thorns starfish population. (Crown-of-thorn starfish are the second largest in the world, reaching up to three feet, and prey on coral. They have spikes with venom that is toxic to humans and marine wildlife.)"

Ayana Archie reports for NPR August 4, 2022. [2]