Date Time Reef in recovery window after decade of disturbances After a series of severe and widespread disturbances over the last decade, the Great Barrier Reef is currently in a recovery window with coral cover rising in all three regions. Published today, the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s (AIMS) Long-Term Monitoring Program – Annual Summary Report on Coral Reef Condition for 2020/21 shows after a year’s reprieve, with no major pressures from heat stress or cyclones, widespread recovery is underway. AIMS CEO Dr Paul Hardisty said AIMS’ 35-year history of monitoring the Reef shows increases in coral cover are expected during periods of low disturbance.