Keeping reef off in-danger list sends 'false message'

Despite coral bleaching the Great Barrier Reef has avoided a UNESCO list of sites in danger. (HANDOUT/DIVERS FOR CLIMATE)

The Great Barrier Reef has avoided inclusion on a global list of in-danger sites, but an expert says this does not reflect the reality of a reef in "dire straits".

The World Heritage Committee on Thursday night accepted draft recommendations to exclude the reef from its in-danger list for the third consecutive year.