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Q&A.

“It’s a real privilege to be part of the Master Reef Guide program. We’re not in it for accolades,
but to uphold our integrity to the values of our World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
We understand that even a single day on the reef can be life-changing and remind visitors just
how rare and extraordinary our planet is within the cosmos.”

It’s a real privilege to be part of the Master Reef Guide program. We’re not And here’s another fun one: rabbitfish swim close together because they
in it for accolades, but to uphold our integrity to the values of our World communicate by whispering. It’s their way of staying connected without
Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. We understand that even a single day attracting attention.
on the reef can be life-changing and remind visitors just how rare and
extraordinary our planet is within the cosmos. What advice would you give to people who are considering a career as
The most important thing anyone can do for the reef is to experience it. a Marine Biologist?
People protect what they love, and if someone leaves with even a bit more Know yourself and make sure that every churn of the sea feels like a breath
appreciation, that’s a win. for your lungs, and the ocean feels like home.

When people are confronted with so much biological life all at once it has How do you see your role as a Master Reef Guide developing?
a profound impact on them, and I truly believe everyone who experiences
it walks away wanting to be just a little better, to tread more lightly, and to Now that I’ve completed my Master 5 and MED 2 qualifications, I’m
respect nature more deeply. hoping to move into a skipper role over the next few years. But no matter
what, I’ll always find time to be in the water, sharing the magic of the reef
with our guests.
What is the most important message about the reef and its future?
The biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef is climate change. The reef itself What’s on your travel and experiences bucket list?
will still be here, but the rich biodiversity it holds may not survive without
action. One of the short-term solutions is moving towards hydrogen- My biggest travel goal is to explore as much of the reef as possible. I’d love
assisted engines to reduce our environmental impact. to sail from one end of the Great Barrier Reef to the other, exploring the
entire drop-off from north to south.
Are you involved in any special marine research projects?
One of the most exciting projects I get to be part of is the Coral Nurture
®
Program. As part of this initiative we use a Coralclip to actively help plant
coral on the reef. This clip was designed by the owner of Wavelength Reef
Cruises and co-founder of the Coral Nurture Program, John Edmondson.
It is so rewarding to be part of this initiative.
The program began in 2018 in response to the Great Barrier Reef’s
declining health. It’s a unique partnership between tourism operators and
researchers, working together to build reef resilience and support local
communities. It focuses on affordable, small-scale coral propagation and
replanting through stakeholder networks.
At our sites on Opal Reef, we’ve planted more than 76,000 corals, with an
impressive 90 percent survival rate.
What makes it even more special is that it happens right in front of our
guests. I get to share the story and science behind it, helping people
understand just how powerful restoration efforts can be.
It’s an incredible project, pioneered right here in Port Douglas, and now
its techniques are being used in more than 20 countries around the world.

Can you share a quirky fact that our readers might be interested to learn
about?
Corals don’t like to touch each other. They’re highly territorial, especially at
night. Even on the reef, personal space matters.