The category five cyclone crossed the Queensland coast in March, with GBRMPA staff inspecting nearby reefs three days later.

Despite the devastation to property around Innisfail, the report on the eight reefs near Larry’s path revealed damage to existing coral was moderate to low.

Science, Technology and Information Group Director David Wachenfeld said cyclones were part of a natural process of disturbance and recovery in coral reef ecosystems.

“Healthy reef, such as the Great Barrier Reef, have an excellent chance of recovery.” He said.

“This is why initiatives such as the Zoning Plan – to protect biodiversity – and the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan – to improve water quality – are so important.

“The main impacts observed at affected reefs included damage to the reef’s underlying structure, some breakage of living corals, and the movement of sediment and rubble.”

The extent and type of impact varied with proximity to the path of the cyclone, with the most heavily damaged reefs located near where the most destructive winds occurred.

David said the damage observed was within the range seen in previous cyclones and, given favourable conditions, these reefs should recover.

GBRMPA staff surveying for coral bleaching between Cairns and Cooktown also confirmed anecdotal reports from tourism operators that reefs offshore from Cairns were not greatly affected.

The category five cyclone generated a 50km-wide band of ‘very destructive’ winds between Cairns and Tully, and destructive winds north and south of the area.

 www.gbrmpa.gov.au