Meet the 8th cohort of the Master Reef Guides

The 8^th cohort of Master Reef Guides was recently welcomed to the program following an intensive week-long training session on Byelle Country, Heron Island. The cohort, comprising 22 Reef guides representing High Standard Tourism Operators, completed training designed to elevate their guiding skills, and enhance their understanding of the Reef’s ecological and cultural significance.

Committee announced 

The newest members and chairperson have been announced for the Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee's (IRAC) 2024−2027 term. Chaired by Gurang elder Mr Shayne Blackman, new committee members bring immense experience, knowledge and skills across all appointments. The IRAC provides advice to the Reef Authority and its Board on the management of the Great Barrier Reef.

Appearing originally in Caring for Sea Country.

Mandubarra resilience and connection 

“I feel like us being able to work on Country and to be based on Country, it’s important for value sharing into our community, we have respect for what we hold culturally, and the more people know about what is happening on Country, the healthier country is, the healthier people are, and the more they want to care for Country,” said Rohann Sultan, Mandubarra Traditional Owner.

Crown-of-thorns starfish Control Program secured

The Crown-of-thorns Starfish Control Program is set for another three years, with the Reef Authority welcoming new operators to deliver this world-leading Reef management program which is effectively protecting coral and supporting Reef health across entire reefs and regions. 

Your top questions on coral spawning answered

Curious about coral spawning? We’ve answered your top questions about the Reef’s biggest regeneration event. Learn why coral spawning happens at night, what coral spawn is actually made of, and how visitors might be able to see coral spawning on the Reef as it happens. With the full moon happening mid-month, the final spawning events of the year will start to unfold in the days following. 

Alive underwater: meet Johnny Gaskell

If there are only 24 hours in a day, Reef Authority Project Manager Johnny Gaskell might just have the secret to squeezing the juice out of every single second. By trade he’s a marine biologist, but the former Master Reef Guide has tried on many hats in his career.