Great Barrier Reef coral harvesting investigated amid overfishing concerns
The aquarium industry is under scrutiny for overharvesting coral on the Great Barrier Reef, with a recent investigation by Fisheries Queensland confirming a 30 per cent overfishing of antler coral in the 2025-2026 season. The incident has raised concerns about the sustainability of the coral harvesting industry and its impact on the reef.
Fisheries Queensland has confirmed it recently investigated an overharvesting of coral on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, but has declined to share the outcome.
In the 2025-2026 fishing season the harvest of Pocillopora grandis, known as antler coral, was overfished by 30 per cent according to FishNet data.
Coral harvesting and the reef
Coral harvesting is the process of collecting coral from the ocean. Harvesters are permitted to take up to 190 tonnes from the reef annually, with much of this destined for the global aquarium trade. Bright colours and interesting shapes are highly prized by 'reefers', who drive demand.
But coral catch quotas have been breached several times in recent years, while some operators have been charged with fishing offences.
Investigation into overharvesting
An internal investigation has now been completed into this year's exceeded quota. When questioned, Fisheries Queensland would not send through the information about the investigations findings.
Coral reef ecologist Dr Morgan Pratchett said while this particular species is not under threat, any overharvesting event is of concern.