Marine scientists are pushing Australia’s new-look parliament to act fast to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

The new Labor federal government has a target for a 43 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, and to hit net zero by 2050.

The Albanese government says it will spend an extra $194 million over four years for restoration work to improve the reef's water quality, reduce plastic pollution and limit nutrient run-off.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority recently confirmed the reef has experienced its fourth mass bleaching event in seven years, the first to occur under typically cooler and darker La Niña conditions.

Dr Selina Ward, a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland and academic director of Heron Island Research Station, says time is running out for coral reefs. 

“Without strong climate change action, they won't save the reef,” Dr Ward says.

Dr Lissa Schindler from the Australian Marine Conservation Society says the government's emissions reduction target is in line with a warming scenario under which “we will lose 99 per cent of coral reefs”.

“What science is telling us is we need 75 per cent by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5C [degrees],” Dr Schindler said.

“The big thing, though, is we need net zero by 2035. 2050 is too late for the Great Barrier Reef.”