So where exactly is the Coral Sea and the Ribbon Reefs? Here you'll find a map to give you an idea.
Earlier this month, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority released its latest report on reef health. Because the reef is 2,300km long, and is by nature patchy in character, its difficult to generalise about anything - which is why surveys are conducted regularly reef-wide to confirm the state of change of regularly visited sites. The worst affected reefs were in the remote north. Most reefs south of Port Douglas - where reef visitors would go - were only marginally impacted and are recovering well.
"Since 1 July, 2016, over 1400 Reef Health and Impact Surveys were conducted on 95 reefs within the Marine Park. Impacts (bleaching, disease, predation, damage) were observed in 74 per cent of surveys. Some observations of coral bleaching are still being reported, although bleaching has decreased since June. Surviving corals may still be stressed and therefore more susceptible to coral disease. There has been a steady increase in coral disease observations since 1 July 2016. The situation is being monitored closely through a network of managers, volunteers and science partners. "
You can stay up-to-date with GBRMPA reports here
Currently within the reef, temperatures are slightly higher than the long term average with predictions weather-wise for average temperatures and cyclone activity over summer.
In the coming week - weather permitting - we will be heading out to the remote eastern Coral Sea reefs to see how they have fared over the year after bleaching earlier in 2016 and where possible I will be posting images from these reefs.
In a year of global difficulty on so many fronts, I wish you a happy & restorative festive season - filled with kindness for yourself and others. I hope that 2017 brings you a bigger dose of the best medicine & teacher of all - our natural world.
Best wishes
Wendy