Coral Nurture Program unites scientists with tourism operators and stakeholders reinforcing conservation of Great Barrier Reef

Published on January 23, 2025

Coral Nurture Program teams scientists and tourism operators to boost Great Barrier Reef conservation.

The Great Barrier Reef, a complex and crucial ecosystem, is facing significant threats from climate change, including rising sea temperatures and severe weather patterns. This vast marine network, teeming with thousands of marine species, is at a critical juncture, needing urgent measures to preserve its intricate balance.

In light of these challenges, the Coral Nurture Program has emerged as a key initiative in the fight to protect the reef. This innovative program harnesses the expertise of scientists from the University of Technology Sydney and collaborates with nine tourism operators across Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays to develop and enhance reef restoration techniques at crucial reef locations.

The initiative focuses on using underwater nurseries to grow coral fragments, which are then transplanted back into the reef. Since its launch in 2018, the Coral Nurture Program has successfully planted over 110,000 corals at 30 different sites, achieving an impressive survival rate of 85%. This effort not only speeds up the natural recovery process but also strengthens the reef’s ability to withstand future environmental stresses.

A significant achievement for the program was recorded when coral fragments that were planted in 2019 started to reproduce by 2021, contributing to new genetic diversity and enhancing the reef’s resilience. According to Dr. Paige Strudwick, this milestone illustrates the program’s broader impact on the reef’s health beyond just coral planting.

Tourism operators are integral to the Coral Nurture Program, acting as guardians of the reef and communicators of its conservation. Kate Slaughter, a marine biologist with Wavelength Reef Cruises in Port Douglas, emphasizes the pivotal role of tourism in reef conservation efforts.