Norfolk Island Coral Reef Health Program
Norfolk Island hosts one of the most southernly reefs in the world, and is home to a rich diversity of marine life. The marine park begins 1400 kilometres offshore, east of New South Wales and covers 188,444 square kilometres, with depths from the high tide mark to 5000 metres.
Norfolk Island coral reef is a unique coral reef ecosystem where subtropical and temperate species exist together. The Norfolk Marine Park is a biodiversity hotspot with a high presence of local and endemic fauna. It’s an important conservation location for populations that are vulnerable to extinction.
Where to find corals in the Norfolk Island Lagoon
Ongoing monitoring of the inshore coral reef lagoon of Emily and Slaughter Bay focuses on the areas below that have been highlighted as potential high conservation value, cultural value, targeted rehabilitation, and visitor educational opportunities for the reef ecosystem.
Map of Slaughter Bay
Slaughter Bay
Map of Emily Bay
Types of coral in the Norfolk Island Lagoon
For monitoring purposes, we are seeking observations of the following genera of hard corals:
NOAA Coral Reef Watch
NOAA Coral Reef Watch (CRW) sites are key monitoring stations that track and respond to coral bleaching events in coral-rich areas. The primary goal of the NOAA CRW is to provide early warning systems to detect temperature-induced coral stress. By collecting data and fostering conservation efforts, NOAA plays a vital role in protecting these vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Coral Reef Health 