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GBR Legacy founders, the late John Rumney (left) and
Dr. Dean Miller collecting coral samples off Port Douglas

24,000 live coral fragments. From inception to reality, the transition Working together with Traditional Owners
has been remarkably swift.” To provide additional backups of the living fragments, the project
is working closely with Traditional Owners, public and private
Collecting coral fragments aquariums and the coral collecting industry to create the largest
A huge undertaking you would say, especially when you come to collaborative preservation network of live corals, safeguarding
think that the coral fragment collection team comprises just three these species forever.
scuba divers. “Across the Great Barrier Reef Catchment, there exist 72 clan
The team partners with Dr Charlie Veron, a pioneer in coral groups,” Dr Dean explains.
expertise who has named and described more than 20 percent of “We’ve initiated workshops and collaborations with up to seven
the world’s coral species. of these groups, especially within our local area, like Irukandji
“Charlie guides us underwater, identifying the corals to gather,” Dr and Jabalbina. These partnerships encompass various aspects,
Dean explains. “We collaborate with the commercial coral fishery, ranging from training and consent for collection.
a multi-million-dollar industry serving global aquariums. After “Our vision includes establishing 12 living forever reef hubs along
photographing and tagging, coral collectors take small samples, the coast within three years, safeguarding reef biodiversity from
leaving colonies intact. These samples undergo quarantine at our Torres Strait to Bundaberg and ensuring geographical diversity
facilities for disease and pest checks before entering the system.” through replica holding facilities.”
“Regular health checks are conducted to monitor growth and
colour. Corals are well-suited for the Living Coral Biobank approach Defying the odds
as they essentially live forever, aligning with our name, The Forever It’s remarkable that such a relatively small non-profit organisation
Reef Project. in Port Douglas is at the forefront of global Coral Biobanking
“As long as we control conditions like water temperature and light efforts. The team sets itself apart through its pioneering approach
in the tanks, these corals can thrive indefinitely. Some colonies on and the initiative stands as the most expansive and biodiverse
the Great Barrier Reef are around 2,000 to 3,000 years old.” project of its kind on a global scale.
Despite relying solely on private funding, the project’s continuity
Educational aspect is strengthened by public generosity, highlighting a shared
Beyond establishing a coral insurance policy, Dr Dean has another dedication to protecting our vital coral ecosystems. Dr Dean
significant aim for this project: raising awareness and educating emphasises the remarkable solidarity from Port Douglas,
visitors. encompassing businesses, tourists, and local residents, who have
As the world’s first publicly accessible biobank, it offers behind the displayed support for the cause.
scenes tours at Cairns Aqaurium that delve into the importance of The future of the Great Barrier Reef is both a challenge and an
thriving coral ecosystems, the implications of climate change, and opportunity. The legacy of The Forever Reef Project legacy isn’t
a firsthand experience of the growing coral collection. just a coral ark; it’s a testament to human determination to protect
“People from across Australia are flocking to see the biobank,’ Dr and preserve nature’s wonders for generations to come.
Dean says. “And remarkably, there hasn’t been a tour yet where
someone hasn’t been moved to tears. This underscores the deep foreverreef.org
connection people naturally hold with the Great Barrier Reef.”

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