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“The project aims to encompass the entire 415
coral species of the Great Barrier Reef by 2026,
housing 12,000 live coral fragments.”

Marine Dreams Ignited beloved reefs are facing, largely attributed “While exploring the northern stretches,
Dr Dean’s mission to safeguard our precious to heatwaves and coral bleaching. we evaluated the reef’s state,” Dr Dean
reef began 24 years ago, when he first set This realisation served as the driving force elaborates.
foot in Port Douglas, fresh from earning behind establishing The Forever Reef “Virtually every reef was impacted by coral
his marine biology degree at James Cook Project. bleaching, except for one. More corals
University in Townsville. Dr Dean pointed out that in the last thrived in this single area than the entire
Eager to explore the world, he joined the seven years, the Great Barrier Reef has Great Barrier Reef had ever witnessed.
crew of the Undersea Explorer, a dive experienced four coral bleaching events, “We named this location the Legacy Super
tourism and research vessel that was at resulting in the loss of coral cover and Site, home to an astounding 205 coral
the forefront of eco-tourism, operating abundance in recent decades. species, representing about half of the
out of Port Douglas. “With 415 coral species on the reef, reef’s biodiversity. It shone like a beacon,
Our small seaside town turned out to be bleaching events threaten the most a natural biobank pleading for protection.
a delightful surprise for Dr Dean, offering delicate. Just 20 to 30 species thrive “But then, in 2019 Cyclone Trevor hit,
everything he had ever yearned for. He felt currently, while the rest struggle. We striking twice and causing extensive harm
an instant connection and fell in love with gather and secure as many as possible, to the once-promising reef. Concern
the place. preserving biodiversity like an insurance gripped me. With the potential loss of
“I’ve wanted to be a marine biologist ever policy for the reef’s balance. the natural safe haven, I pondered where
since I was a child,” Dr Dean said. “The “It’s like a Jenga game: those 415 corals are the our coral biodiversity might seek refuge.
ocean’s vibrant habitats and ecosystems, tower’s base, upholding the system’s health. That’s when we conceived the Living Coral
particularly the coral reefs, have always Our work prevents collapse, maintaining this Biobank project.
captivated me. foundation.” “The idea was simple; create a coral ark
“They’re full of excitement, diversity, and by gathering many species and keeping
vivid colours. The crown jewel is certainly Legacy Super Site them safe in onshore facilities. The goal
the Great Barrier Reef and the chance to Much of GBR Legacy’s work to date has was straightforward: collect lots of corals,
work here was nothing short of a dream been getting out on the Great Barrier Reef nurture them in tanks, and protect their
come true.” and cataloguing the best and worst of the health for future research and restoration
affected areas. efforts.
Coral’s future The seeds of The Forever Reef Project were “We inaugurated the initiative in December
2019. Now, five years later, three facilities
Yet, amid this beauty, Dr Dean swiftly sown during the GBR Legacy’s search for stand tall, capable of accommodating
recognised the significant threats that our Super Coral Expedition in 2017.