Help researchers at the forefront of active reef restoration science

Book Now

Coral reefs face a multitude of threats, from climate change and storm damage, to sediment and nutrient run-off. Join us in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef to help scientists develop best-practice methods for coral recovery.

On this expedition, you’ll be snorkelling or scuba diving with researchers, helping them make baseline measurements of environmental conditions and assessing fish and invertebrate diversity and abundance, as well as actively removing algae and deploying coral recruitment (settlement) tiles.

As part of this expedition, you’ll be at the forefront of active reef restoration science. You’ll be helping researchers on experiments that aim to develop best-practice methods for removing macro-algae and allowing coral to regrow. You’ll also be directly involved in filling in knowledge gaps that will help reef managers to make evidence-based decisions about active interventions that will support the Great Barrier Reef’s recovery, and the recovery of reefs around the world. 

Important Information

Read our comprehensive briefing to find out more about the research, daily life in the field, accommodations, meals, and travel planning & packing tips.

Learn More

For more information or to book contact our office (03) 9016 7590.

Location

Magnetic Island, Queensland

Cost

$795

Includes accommodation, meals, transfers, insurance and research activities

Duration

5 days

Dates

13-17 October 2021

Activity Level

Strenuous

Lead Scientist

Dr David Bourne, James Cook University and Australian Institute of Marine Science 

Reviews

"Sitting on a plane back to Sydney let me reflect on what an incredible week I was so privileged to be a part of. Getting to spend nearly 6 hours underwater and countless hours on the surface with some of the best minds in the business and assisting with their research is something I never dreamed I could be a part of. And knowing I was able to make a real contribution is just so rewarding. Through the guidance of Hillary Smith and Dr David Bourne, I gained an incredible understanding of the part they are playing in researching Macroalgae and the affects it may or may not be having on what I consider to be Australia’s, if the not the world’s, greatest asset - the ocean and the Great Barrier Reef. I took many learnings from this experience but above all it showed me that no matter what part you play, no matter how small it may be, it is better than doing nothing." 
~ Trent Mulligan, Portfolio Manager QBE | Woolooware NSW

"Hillary and David were great; I really liked the fact they were more than happy to answer questions. Nothing was 'dumbed' down so to speak. The guys made a real effort in challenging weather conditions to provide lectures, talks and excursions that were fantastic. The knowledge and experience gained was invaluable and really increased my love for the subject. I saw baby coral larvae and I was completely hooked! Loved it!"
~ Laura Birley, Principal HR Consultant | Seaford VIC