Total numbers recorded this year are down to 101. The active outbreak recorded for the first time last year on Chinaman Reef continues, although total numbers of COTS recorded on manta tow surveys decreased from 44 last year to a current 13. As yet, little appreciable change in coral cover has been recorded since this outbreak began. No COTS were observed. The status of all four reefs, with respect to COTS activity has not changed since last surveyed.
All reefs surveyed remain classified as non-outbreaking.
Click on this map for a higher resolution image. The current trajectory for coral cover at all reefs surveyed in this sector remains positive. Catastrophic loss of coral cover from reefs in the southern Great Barrier Reef and the impact on fish recruitment.