Reef in Focus

In this this episode of Reef in Focus, we’re stepping back in time to the earliest days of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for an episode that’s been 50 years in the making! Special guest Rod Williams, the Reef Authority’s very first employee, served as Executive Officer from 1976 through to 1981. He sat down with host Lincoln Bertoli to reflect on the highlights and challenges of protecting th...

Caring for the Great Barrier Reef is strongest when marine science and Indigenous knowledge work side by side. For 20 years, Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRAs) have shown how Traditional Owners, scientists and managers can come together to respect culture, protect Sea Country and build a healthier future for the Reef. At its heart, this is a story about connection — to place,...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Bovery-Spencer to explore how tourism is playing a powerful role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Justin explains how responsible travel practices and strong partnerships with operators are making a real difference, showing that visitors aren’t just experiencing the Reef, they’re helping to save it. Justin shares stories about how tourism supports reef...

We take a closer look at one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures - the green turtle. Join us as we explore the Great Barrier Reef Green Turtle Research Program’s Foraging Ground Population Monitoring Project. We’ll dive into the challenges sea turtles face, including climate change and habitat loss, and highlight the collaborative efforts between scientists and Traditional Owners to ensure the su...

Join us for a conversation with Rob Paxevanos, author of Australian Fishing Basics and host of Fishing Australia , as we dive into what it means to fish smarter, not harder, on the Great Barrier Reef. Rob shares practical, easy-to-use tips for recreational fishers on gear choice, bait, and fishing techniques that help protect the Reef’s delicate ecosystems. We also explore how small changes in beh...

Since opening in 1987, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ) has provided millions of people a chance to experience the magic and wonder of the Reef without getting wet. It’s home to the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and has inspired curiosity, learning, and love for the Reef across generations. After closing to the public for major upgrades, questions have been raised. W...

In this special 50th anniversary episode, we take a look back, and forward at how the Great Barrier Reef has been cared for over the past five decades. Joining us is Dr Ian Poiner, long-time marine scientist and Chair of the Reef Authority board. Often described as the best-managed reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef’s story is one of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, dr...

Protecting the Reef isn’t just about science. It’s about people, passion, and persistence. The fight to save the Reef started with everyday Australians who cared enough to act, and 50 years later, that same spirit is just as important. The Reef’s story is our story, and it’s still being written. We're diving into a truly special episode, marking 50 years since the establishment of the Great Barrie...

The Great Barrier Reef has faced its share of challenges recently, from tropical cyclones to flood plumes and coral bleaching. In the season opener of Reef in Focus season two, we bring together two leading experts: Dr Roger Beeden, Chief Scientist at the Reef Authority, and Dr David Wachenfeld, Research Program Director at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Join us as we go beyond the he...

Together with the Traditional Owner groups of the southern Great Barrier Reef, we have embarked on a new chapter in Marine Park management by developing a Southern Plan of Management for the area south of approximately Midge Point to the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Reef Authority General Manager Ian Walker joined us to talk about the Southern Plan of Management, includ...

This year will mark 20 years of Marine Park Zoning, but did you know that that the history of zoning on the Great Barrier Reef actually dates back to the early 80s?   Reef Authority CEO Josh Thomas was in the hot seat for Episode 7 of the Reef in Focus Podcast to discuss the modern Marine Park Zoning Plan, from its early origins, inception, to the incredible benefits now being witnessed...

Summer is a busy time on the Great Barrier Reef, with everyone from international tourists to recreational fishers heading out to enjoy the Marine Park. But how is the Reef looking as we head into its peak visitation period? It turns out there is a variety of real-time monitoring tools and techniques, from cutting-edge temperature sensing satellites to wind models, which help in answering this que...

Coral spawning on the Great Barrer Reef is the most spectacular reproductive show on earth - and a must-see event for reef enthusiasts worldwide. But more than just a synchronised kaleidoscope of colour, spawning also marks the regeneration of the Reef with millions of sperm and eggs shooting into the ocean. It's also an important time for other underwater fauna, with many opportunistically dining...

From tracking crocodiles around Cape York to managing a reef the size of Italy, Dr Mark Read is a lifelong wildlife fanatic and passionate protector of the Marine Park. In episode 4 of Reef in Focus, we caught up with Mark, who is Director of Field Management Strategy at the Reef Authority, to chat all things Reef resilience, field management, and the power of collaboration in protecting the Marin...

In episode 3 of Reef in Focus, we are joined by the Reef Authority's Chief Scientist, Dr Roger Beeden, to discuss the current health and state of the Reef. He explains why the Reef is not a singular entity but rather a complex mosaic comprising different habitats, species, and conditions. And it's this complexity which makes it challenging to determine whether the Reef is 'dead' or 'alive', especi...

Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) are marine invertebrates native to the Great Barrier Reef. They feed exclusively on live coral and grow rapidly, producing millions of offspring once they mature. COTS outbreaks cause significant damage to coral reefs across large areas, and are one of the major causes of coral decline across the Great Barrier Reef over the past 40 years. We caught up with marine sc...

From tiny zooxanthellae to the giant clam, the Great Barrier Reef is known around the world for its incredible biodiversity. But what does the word 'biodiversity' actually mean, and more importantly, why does it matter? In our debut episode of Reef in Focus, we welcome the Reef Authority’s Acting Director of Reef Education and Engagement Fiona Merida into the studio to tackle the topic of biodiver...