PRESERVATION
AND
PERSEVERANCE
How tourism is playing a critical part in preserving the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. WORDS Shaney Hudson
It is the world’s largest living structure, visible from space: billions of living organisms entwining themselves over thousands of years, an iridescent blue glow that from the heavens above, hints at the possibility of something bigger lying just below the waters of earth. Dive into the sapphire waters along the reef’s fringe, however, and this living structure reveals a universe of astounding vibrancy: tendrils of coral rhythmically swaying in the current, orange-and-white striped clown fish sheltering within their delicate embrace, yellow butterflyfish slip into glowing coral alcoves, and a green sea turtle elegantly arcs to the surface, catching their breath, their shell illuminated by sunlight refracting from the ocean floor.
LIKE NOWHERE ELSE “The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just beautiful – it’s vital. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem that impacts the entire planet,” says Marine Biologist and Master Reef Guide for Cruise Whitsundays, Jemma Simpson. Home to over 2,700 reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef cradles three-quarters of the world’s coral species and shelters thousands of marine creatures, a place UNESCO describes as one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth. In recognition of its unique environmental, scientific and cultural importance, the Great Barrier Reef was granted World Heritage Status in 1981.
Yet today, it’s an ecosystem under threat. “The biggest threat is climate change and its ripple effects, like rising sea temperatures and more extreme weather events,” says Simpson. “The reef isn’t just important for marine life – it supports tourism, fisheries, and even acts as a natural barrier to protect our coastlines. Protecting the reef is crucial for the environment and for people.”
FRESH CHALLENGES As recently as July 2024, the reef’s management by the state and federal government has come under intense scrutiny from UNESCO. While their report praised the labour-intensive management of crown of thorn starfish outbreaks by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (known as GBRMPA), it was noted the reef continues to face significant threats from climate change, including mass coral bleaching, water quality issues, and vegetation clearing in reef catchment areas.
However, Simpson believes there is another significant issue facing the reef: misinformation and indifference. “One of the biggest myths about the Great Barrier Reef is that it’s dead”, says Simpson. “That’s simply not true. Yes, some areas are under threat, but there is still so much life and beauty to experience.”
Simpson, who has spent over ten years working as a scientist in the region, has borne witness to the many challenges the reef has faced. “Over the years, I’ve seen some tough changes, like coral bleaching, but I’ve also seen amazing resilience.”
“The reef has an incredible ability to recover when given the chance. That’s why it’s so important for us to work together to reduce our impact and give it the best possible chance to thrive.”
FUTURE-PROOFING THE REEF
In response to the ongoing challenges facing the Reef, the GBRMPA have developed Reef 2050: a long-term plan involving community, government, Indigenous custodians, and tourism operators like Cruise Whitsundays, aimed at improving the resilience and health of the Great Barrier Reef.
An advanced eco-certified operator, Cruise Whitsundays works closely with the GBRMPA on a number of initiatives, including the Master Reef Guide program, the citizen-science driven Eye on the Reef program, and the Reefworld platform also hosts scientists during the coral spawning events that occur around Hardy Reef.
Simpson believes that tourism has a role to play in the reef’s survival. “When done responsibly, tourism can actually help the reef”, says Simpson. “Every guest visiting with a commercial operator pays an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) to GBRMPA, and those funds go directly toward conserving and managing the reef.”
“The best part of my job is watching people experience the reef for the first time—hearing their excitement as they come out of the water and describe what they’ve just seen,” says Simpson. “I want people to leave not just amazed, but motivated to care for it, because even small changes can make a big difference.”Guests can even go high-tech for ultimate comfort, using Arkaroola’s custom-designed, reclining robotic stargazing chairs with astronomical binoculars to see the stars. Best visited on either side of the dark moon, the dramatic cliffs provide a spectacular backdrop for the heavens to turn, and an entirely different outback experience at night.
THE DETAILS
TOUR
Cruise Whitsundays offers full-day Reef Adventures, including snorkeling, access to an underwater observatory, semi-submarine guided tour and lunch on board from $309PP. Stay overnight and sleep under the stars on the upper deck’s Reefsleep, or book a night in one of the underwater Reefsuites. Prices start from $1095pp.