Reef in Focus

Sea Country connections: The Girringun TUMRA story ft. Jade Pryor

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:25:06 GMT

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, to people and to the wisdom passed down through generations. In this episode of Reef in Focus, host Lincoln Bertoli speaks with Jade Pryor, a Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owner and coordinator of the Girringun TUMRA, whose lifelong ties to her community and Country have shaped her work and her identity.

Jade reflects on her early memories of listening to Elders, her first childhood experience on the Reef, and the responsibility she now carries in supporting the six saltwater groups of the Girringun region. She explains how the TUMRA has evolved to include seagrass, dugong, mangrove, fish and blue carbon monitoring, and describes the essential role of Girringun Rangers and Elders in both traditional practices and modern marine management. She also shares the deeply moving experience of returning to her Sea Country with her daughter and seeing healthy coral and marine life through the lens of culture and ancestry.

Jade highlights the importance of respectful collaboration, the strength that comes from combining Indigenous knowledge with contemporary science, and the need for Traditional Owners to have a stronger voice in caring for the Reef.

Smooth operators: How tourism is turning the tide on Reef protection ft. Justin Bovery-Spencer

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:00:22 GMT

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 monitoring and research, highlights operators leading conservation efforts, and explains why every visitor’s choices matter for reef health. We also hear how communities and travellers are working together to secure the Reef’s future.

The marine turtle's journey of prehistoric proportions ft. Dr Mark Read

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:58:14 GMT

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 survival of these ancient marine reptiles for generations to come.

Hooked on sustainability ft. Rob Paxevanos

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 05:02:23 GMT

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 behaviour can make a big difference for fish stocks, why knowing your target species matters, and how to enjoy a successful day on the water while leaving the Reef in great shape for future generations.

Great Barrier Reef Aquarium redevelopment ft. Fred Nucifora

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:30:16 GMT

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. Will it reopen? Is there funding to finish the job? What does the future hold for this iconic tourism and education facility in Townsville?

In this episode, we speak with Fred Nucifora, the Reef Authority’s General Manager of Major Projects, to get the facts on the redevelopment and the vital role the Aquarium continues to play in Reef education, science, and storytelling.

From protection to partnership: the Reef management journey ft. Dr Ian Poiner

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:00:19 GMT

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, drawing on the latest

science, Traditional Knowledge, and decades of dedicated management. A lot has

changed since the Marine Park was first established, and that journey is far from over.

In this episode, we explore how Reef management has evolved, what it looks like

today, and the hopeful path we’re on for the next 50 years.

Saving the Great Barrier Reef: How a movement became a Marine Park ft. Rohan Lloyd

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 02:48:50 GMT

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 Barrier Reef Marine Park Act, a milestone in environmental protection that helped shape how we care for this natural wonder. To help us explore the deep history and human story behind one of Australia’s greatest environmental achievements, we're joined by Dr Rohan Lloyd, historian and author of Saving the Reef.

From protest movements to policy breakthroughs, Rohan brings the past to life and helps us understand how far we've come in protecting the Reef.

State of the Reef: Between two scientists ft. Dr David Wachenfeld and Dr Roger Beeden

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 07:00:48 GMT

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 headlines to discuss everything from monitoring to management, unpack the impact of recent events on the Reef, and discuss what lies ahead for the summer. It's a must-listen for anyone passionate about the science behind protecting one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

Scratching the surface on the Great Southern Plan ft. Ian Walker

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 06:20:10 GMT

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, including what a plan of management means, how it will safeguard the Reef, who's involved, and what it means for Reef users.

More: reefauthority,gov.au/podcast

The origin of zoning ft. Josh Thomas

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:38:10 GMT

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 right across the Reef.

To hear more, along with the perils of being a New South Welshman living in North Queensland when the other 'Origin' rolls around, check out the latest episode of Reef in Focus.

More: reefauthority,gov.au/podcast

The recipe for Reef health ft. Richard Quincey

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 03:14:27 GMT

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 question.

As well as laying claim to the best chilli mud-crab recipe around, Richard Quincey is General Manager of Marine Park Operations at the Reef Authority. He has been working in hands-on management roles on the Reef since joining Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in the mid-90s. In this podcast he shares some of the challenges of monitoring Reef health and the power of collaboration with scientific partners.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

Tinder for corals ft. Dr Jessica Stella

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 06:00:22 GMT

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 out on the nutrient-rich bounty provided by the coral polyps. But just how much do we really know about the friskiest event on the Reef?

Dr Jessica Stella is a distinguished marine ecologist and Assistant Director of Reef Health at the Reef Authority. Dr Stella shares her remarkable journey from Massachusetts to the tropical wonders of North Queensland, her fascination with coral reef invertebrates, and an in-depth exploration of the captivating world of coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

From crocs to coral ft. Dr Mark Read

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:52:03 GMT

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 Marine Park.

Dr Read also shares a fascinating story on the origins of Marine Park zoning in 1981, why zoning is so successful in protecting the Reef, and how it has evolved to be akin to an 'investment portfolio', yielding increased biodiversity and fish stocks for future generations.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

Wanted dead or alive ft. Dr Roger Beeden

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:30 GMT

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', especially considering the problematic nature of these terms in the context of colonial animals like coral.

Dr Beeden also shares his personal journey of falling in love with the Reef. From his childhood spent in 'the other GBR' (Great Britain) watching documentaries by Jacques Cousteau and David Attenborough, to realising his dream of visiting and working on the Reef as a marine scientist, and recently becoming Chief Scientist of the Reef Authority.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

Catching a coral predator ft. Dr David Williamson

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 05:21:52 GMT

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 scientist, David Williamson, who heads up the Reef Authority's Crown-of-thorns Control Program, to chat about these voracious Reef-dwellers. David shares his insights on how to monitor, control, and prevent COTS outbreaks, as well as the latest research and innovations.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

Biodiversity on the Reef ft. Fiona Merida

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 06:04:56 GMT

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 biodiversity on the Great Barrier Reef.

Long before Fiona studied to become a marine biologist - indeed long before she knew what a marine biologist was - she would spend her leisure time accompanying her dad on hiking trips along the coast of her native Victoria. But it was a trip to tropical North Queensland as a child, when the family crossed the border and made the pilgrimage north - first to K’gari (Fraser Island), then Airlie Beach where she gleaned her first glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef - that would literally change her life.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast