A recent study conducted by researchers from the Minderoo Foundation has shown that selectively breeding corals can significantly enhance their heat tolerance, particularly at Ningaloo.

In an effort to combat climate change, Australian researchers are developing a coral species that is more resilient to rising sea temperatures, providing a potential short-term lifeline for threatened reefs.

The study found that corals with at least one parent from warmer waters demonstrated double the survival rate under extreme heat stress compared to those originating from cooler waters.

This research comes at a critical time, as mass bleaching events have recently affected World Heritage-listed reefs, including Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef, with a global bleaching crisis impacting 84% of the world's reefs since 2023.

The simultaneous bleaching of Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef in March 2025 underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing environmental crisis.

In light of these challenges, Australian Environment Minister Murray Watt is attending the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, where he will discuss the ratification of the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty.

During UNOC3, Minister Watt announced Australia's commitment to ratify the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty, aiming to enhance the protection of international waters.

Australia plans to introduce legislation for the treaty in the upcoming spring parliamentary session, with aspirations for rapid ratification.

Coral reefs are essential for the livelihoods of millions, providing shoreline protection and supporting over 25% of ocean biodiversity, yet they are experiencing significant declines globally.

Andrew Forrest, founder of the Minderoo Foundation, emphasized that while selective breeding offers a crucial short-term solution, the long-term survival of reefs hinges on the complete phase-out of fossil fuels.

The findings of the coral breeding study align with the discussions at UNOC3, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to protect marine ecosystems.

Forrest reiterated that while breeding corals is a vital short-term strategy, addressing climate change through sustainable practices is essential for the future of coral reefs.