- WA Reef Regen Program Roadmap launched to guide coral regeneration efforts
- Cook Labor Government invests $5 million through the Healthy Oceans Program as part of an $11 million partnership with philanthropic organisations
- Launch builds on the Nyinggulu Coral Larval Enhancement Trial underway in Ningaloo and Coral Bay since March this year
- Cook Labor Government committed to restoring and protecting oceans
The Cook Labor Government has launched the WA Reef Regeneration Program Roadmap in Exmouth alongside project partners, establishing a landmark blueprint to guide coral regeneration activities across Western Australia.
Managed by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution, the roadmap has been developed in response to the unprecedented impacts of the 2024-25 marine heatwave, which caused widespread coral bleaching across parts of the State’s reef systems.
It is being delivered via the WA Reef Regen Program, an $11 million partnership supported by a $5 million Cook Labor Government investment through the Healthy Oceans Program announced in September 2025, and contributions from the Angela Wright Bennett Foundation and the Jock Clough Marine Foundation.
Building on reef restoration efforts and research from Australia and around the world, the roadmap provides a framework for a multi-year, State-wide program to test, refine, and scale coral regeneration approaches across WA’s diverse reef ecosystems.
The launch follows the Nyinggulu Coral Larval Enhancement Trial, the first project under the WA Reef Regen Program, which was carried out in Exmouth and Coral Bay in March and April.
Traditional Owners, scientific institutions, tourism operators, philanthropic organisations, and local communities will play a central role in the program, helping build the knowledge, capability, and partnerships needed to support reef recovery in a changing climate.
For more information about the program, visit wamsi.org.au/projects/reef-regen
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“The Cook Labor Government is proud to officially launch the WA Reef Regen Program Roadmap alongside our project partners in Exmouth.
“The impacts of the recent marine heatwave and severe weather events like Tropical Cyclone Narelle continue to be felt and reinforce the need to support reef recovery in a changing climate.
“This roadmap marks an important step forward, providing a clear blueprint for future investment, research, and collaboration to advance coral regeneration science across Western Australia.
“I look forward to seeing the program continue to grow and deliver new projects that build on the learnings from the Ningaloo trial.”
As stated by Western Australian Marine Science Institution CEO Luke Twomey:
“The WA Reef Regen Program is ambitious, bringing together the best science available and partnering with researchers and institutions, Traditional Owners, and the community to tackle the climate-related issues facing WA’s reefs.
“By building on what is known and working together, we can deliver bigger, faster innovations rather than taking singular uncoordinated approaches.”
As stated by a spokesperson for the Angela Wright Bennett Foundation:
“WA’s coral reefs are a remarkable part of this State’s natural heritage, and this roadmap represents exactly the kind of long-term, science-led support they need in order to thrive for generations to come.
“With ocean temperatures trending upwards, and reefs needing every advantage science can give them, the work of healing sea country has never mattered more.
“The Angela Wright Bennett Foundation is proud to stand alongside the State Government, backing WAMSI and its partners as this important work moves from roadmap to reality.”
As stated by Jock Clough Marine Foundation director Sam Moyle:
“Western Australia is home to one of the world’s most unique marine environments, and it’s facing real change.
“The Jock Clough Marine Foundation is proud to support the WA Reef Regen Program alongside the Angela Wright Bennett Foundation, WAMSI, and the State Government so future generations can continue to enjoy the reefs we’ve been fortunate to know.”
