New GCRMN brief highlights the role of coral reef monitoring in global biodiversity action ahead of CBD COP17

The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) has released a new Science-to-Action Brief, Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 – Results and Implications for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), highlighting the critical role of long-term coral reef monitoring in supporting global biodiversity commitments. The Brief draws on the Status of Coral Reefs […]
London reception brings together global voices for coral reefs

More than 60 representatives from governments, diplomatic missions, science and conservation organisations, financial institutions and other stakeholders gathered in London on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to mark the European launch of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025. Hosted on behalf of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), Australian Institute of Marine […]
Marine heatwaves are closing the window for coral reef recovery, landmark global report warns

The most comprehensive assessment of the status of coral reefs ever published shows that climate-driven marine heatwaves are reshaping reefs worldwide; scientists call for urgent, evidence-based action to safeguard the future of coral reefs. KEY FACTS 21.1 million observations from 36,886 reef sites across 124 countries and territories make this the largest global assessment of […]
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 […]