US talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres is bewildered her call to protect the Great Barrier Reef has sparked a backlash in Australia.

DeGeneres made headlines earlier in the week with the release of a video public service announcement as part of the Remember the Reef campaign.

Ellen DeGeneres is returning to stand-up after 15 years. Credit:Jason Merritt

The comedian was criticised by Nine Network's Today Show co-host Karl Stefanovic and bombarded by tweets from Environment Minister Greg Hunt.

"I put out a PSA because I do believe we should protect our oceans and protect the reef, and I don't know what's controversial about that," DeGeneres said.