Australia’s oceans have recorded their hottest year on record, with unprecedented sea surface temperatures driving extreme weather and ecological crises across the country. The warm seas contributed to intense rainfall, floods, and an unusually active cyclone season, with many storms rapidly intensifying. Inland areas also felt the effects, as moisture-laden systems caused severe flooding in places like Townsville.

Marine ecosystems suffered heavily: both Ningaloo Reef and the Great Barrier Reef experienced mass bleaching at the same time, while South Australia endured a months-long toxic algal bloom. These events highlight how warming oceans act as the “engine room” of climate, fueling storms, floods, cyclones, and ecological collapse.

Globally, record sea temperatures were linked to deadly hurricanes in the US, catastrophic floods in Europe, and worsening heatwaves. Scientists warn that while oceans absorb over 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases, this buffering comes at a cost – destabilising weather patterns and ecosystems worldwide.

Read the full ABC article by Tyne Logan and Fran Rimrod here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-02/hottest-year-on-record-in-oceans-around-australia/105698530