Pollution caused by fertiliser and sediment runoff is another key threat to the reef. It harms coral and reduces the ecosystem’s ability to recover from damage, such as bleaching events.

The mission report said although state and federal government’s were undertaking significant programs to restore coastal habitat and reduce agricultural runoff, the reef “continues to face many threats from land-based activities impacting water quality”.

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Plibersek said the Great Barrier Reef faced the same threats from global warming as all coral ecosystems and argued if it was listed as a World Heritage site “in danger” then every other site should be, as well.

Plibersek confirmed she would lobby UNESCO not to downgrade the status of the reef on grounds that Australia was doing its fair share of climate action.

“We are as a government absolutely determined to do our bit to keep global warming beneath 1.5 degrees. We’ve legislated. We’ve invested. We’re working hard to make sure that that’s the case through all of our policies.”

WWF Australia head of oceans Richard Leck urged the Queensland and federal governments to adopt the report’s recommendations.

“The Great Barrier Reef has been at the front line of climate change damage. These UNESCO recommendations are a reminder it is our choice to give the world’s most iconic coral reef the best chance of survival.”

Australian Marin Conservation Society campaigner Lissa Schindler called on the governments to “close loopholes that allow clearing without permits” to reduce runoff and boost water quality and to end gill net and illegal fishing on the reef.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said protections for the reef were increasing including “scaling up land restoration, supporting farmers to improve runoff, banning more single-use plastics”.

The UNESCO-IUCN mission’s recommendation to list the reef as “in danger” will be put to a vote of the 21 countries sitting on UNESCO’s World Heritage committee, which is expected by the middle of next year.

The reef has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1981.

With AP

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.