The annual coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef is set to occur in November as conditions become conducive to the natural phenomenon.

Conditions for spawning need to be just right; warm sea temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius, little tidal movement around three to six days after the November full moon, and after nightfall.

WATCH A VIDEO OF THE SPAWNING (top left)

Poseidon's Peter Wright has been witnessing the spawning since the 1980s.

"It doesn't totally happen all in one night. It tends to happen on the inshore reefs a couple of nights beforehand and sometimes a whole month beforehand.

"A good indicator is Magnetic Island off Townsville. When that spawns you can be pretty sure (the reef in our area) will be soon after."

Mr Wright said the spawning will help the reef recover after natural disasters such as cyclones Larry and Yasi.

"It will help with the regeneration of damaged areas of the reef, providing those areas are clean of algae."

Marine biologists discovered the spawning process just 30 years ago, and this year predictions are being made that all will fall into place between 16 and 18 November. 

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