Appearing originally in Caring for Sea Country.

History of Jiigurru 

Working with Traditional Owners, western scientists have studied changes in the ancient environment and human history of Jiigurru (Lizard Island) over decades. A small sample can tell a big story. Whether it’s a water sample, a fish bone fragment, a shell, or a rare pottery sherd, the scientific knowledge that emerges from these analyses can provide so much information about how Sea Country may have changed. Read on below.

What is coral spawning?

It’s that time of year when corals take advantage of the full moon, dust off the old Barry White records and get down and dirty to bring new life to the Great Barrier Reef. During this dazzling display of synchronised mass reproduction, corals release millions of bundles of sperm and eggs into the ocean in a kaleidoscope of colour, bringing their next generation to life. 

Here's lookin' at you Reef

They’re on the water year-round and know their patch like the back of their hand, so who better to help keep an Eye on the Reef than marine tourism operators. About 60 industry professionals are heading back to school off Cairns and the Whitsundays for the Reef Authority's annual pre-summer Eye on the Reef training, where they'll learn scientific survey collection methods to contribute valuable data.

A reef away from home

From one UNESCO World Heritage Site to another, Marine Biologist Karen Chong-Seng has a career spanning international waters. The Seychelles, lovingly nicknamed the land of perpetual summer, was the backdrop of an idyllic upbringing inspiring Karen. Now, she’s a marine researcher who’s authored 18 publications and conducted work over the globe. But it wasn’t always clear to Karen that marine science was her niche. 

Plan of management consultation continues

The first of a series of collaborative workshops were held earlier this month as part of the Southern Plan of Management project. This new management plan, being jointly developed by Traditional Owners, the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and partners, aims to safeguard the values of the southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park while allowing for multiple sustainable uses and increasing the resilience of the Reef in the light of climate change.