Coral reefs (“waddaroo”*) are experiencing increasingly rapid changes globally, with marine heatwaves primarily driving mass bleaching and coral mortality events. During the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4), Western Australia recorded its most severe coral bleaching. Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) work in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to joint manage the Lalang Gaddam Marine Park in Dambimangari Sea Country. In March 2025, aerial coral bleaching surveys of the Marine Park were conducted. Widespread and severe bleaching was documented in response to the unprecedented thermal stress, with peak values of 15–20 Degree Heating Weeks (NOAA Coral Reef Watch). In-water surveys in August 2025 quantified coral survival and mortality at long-term coral monitoring sites. These surveys are an ongoing collaborative stewardship of Sea Country, integrating long-term scientific monitoring with Traditional Owner governance and place-based knowledge. Preliminary results indicate coral cover declines exceeding 80% at multiple reef locations, driven primarily by extensive losses of heat sensitive branching corals. We show evidence of early reef compositional change following extreme thermal stress and provide an example of effective and strategic long-term coral reef monitoring delivered through joint management partnerships between Government agencies and Traditional Owners, enabling the detection of ecological change over large spatial scales.
Footnote*: Language terms used in this study are drawn from Dambeemangaddee Traditional Owner languages of the Kimberley region and are used with respect for their cultural significance. All Traditional Owner language, knowledge, and cultural expressions remain the intellectual and cultural property of the relevant Traditional Owners. Language spellings reflect common usage within joint management materials and may vary regionally.