The most intense global coral bleaching event on record has likely ended, NOAA confirms
The fourth global coral bleaching event, the most widespread and intense on record, has likely concluded in mid-2025, NOAA experts have determined following an analysis of satellite data and field bleaching observations. From early 2023 to mid-2025, 84% of the world’s coral reefs were subject to bleaching-level heat stress across all three coral reef-containing ocean […]
U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Announces Standard Operating Procedure for Coral Bleaching Monitoring
As coral bleaching events intensify in frequency and severity, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) announced the release of its first Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring coral bleaching. This new guidance, released in May 2026, addresses the critical need for standardized and simplified procedures to quantify the impacts of bleaching consistently across space […]
Major milestones for MERMAID
MERMAID, the open-source coral reef data platform led by the Wildlife Conservation Society, has announced a landmark development in reef monitoring governance: Indonesia has become the first government to adopt and integrate MERMAID into its national marine protected area infrastructure. The news was shared in MERMAID’s latest newsletter, which also highlighted a series of platform […]
The Government of Monaco’s Continued Support to the GCRMN
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) is pleased to announce that the Government of Monaco is continuing its support to the GCRMN for 2026, specifically for the production of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 report, in partnership with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the host institution of the […]
The GCRMN in Bangkok to advance the Status of Coral Reefs of the World
From 7 to 13 February 2026, the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network brought together editors and regional coordinators in Bangkok, Thailand, to advance work on the forthcoming Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 report. Hosted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), as the host intimation of the GCRMN, the week combined […]
GCRMN to convene global experts in Bangkok to advance the Status of Coral Reefs of the World
From 9 to 11 February 2026, the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) will convene its Regional Coordinators and Editorial Team in Bangkok, Thailand, for a dedicated technical workshop supporting the development of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 report. The three-day workshop represents a critical milestone in the production of the […]
GCRMN welcomes adoption of IUCN Motion 037
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) welcomes the publication of the Resolutions and Recommendations adopted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, now available through the IUCN Resolutions and Recommendations platform in English, French and Spanish. Of particular relevance is IUCN Motion 037: Fourth global coral bleaching event: urgent action to […]
The GCRMN marks 30 years of supporting evidence-based decision-making for coral reef conservation
Since its establishment in 1995, as an operational network of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) has played a vital role in protecting coral reefs through the provision of critical information on the status and trends of coral reefs, fostering collaboration, and supporting effective conservation and management practices. […]
GCRMN Steering Committee Meeting – September 2025
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Steering Committee met online in September 2025 under the co-chairmanship of Dr. Abdulaziz Alsuwailem, representing the General Organisation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), current Chair of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), and Dr Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero from the Australian Institute […]
Transition to a new GCRMN Global Coordinator
After 2.5 years as the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Networks (GCRMN) Global Coordinator, Britta Schaffelke is handing the baton to Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Following its establishment in 1995, as an operational network of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) at its inaugural General Meeting (Dumaguete City, […]