AN EXTENSIVE investigation into the state of the region’s coral has concluded that there should be greater emphasis on education.
New Beginnings International extended its marine conservation activities with its Whitsunday Reef Preservation Project, conducted from October to December in 2024.
New Beginnings International is a non-profit organisation and a GBRMPA approved Reef Guardian School that has reef protection as one of its core values.
It was started by businessman Ben Braeuer 25 years ago and has carried out many projects up and down the east coast of Australia.
The latest project saw Ben and two post-graduate university students depart Coral Sea Marina, on November 14, 2024, on their project vessel – a 74ft Beneteau Oceanis – to conduct a series of coral surveys in several target sites in the Whitsunday Islands.
“This new project was our group’s transition into formal GBR research activities, with this project choosing to focus on prevention, as distinct from restoration, of the Whitsunday reef environment,” Ben said.
“The Whitsunday area was selected due to its vital importance to the Queensland Tourism Industry.”
Ben, along with marine biologist Kimberly Wong and JCU marine biology intern Stephanie Cornish, carried out coral surveys in the Whitsunday Islands over two weeks, in November 2024.
Results of the team’s findings were transferred onto the International Coral Watch Database and published in two formal reports (Management Overview and Detailed Findings).
“Overall, whilst some bleaching of coral was encountered, our team was surprised at the variety and surprisingly good condition of coral at the five main sites covered during our surveys,” Ben said.
“Dangers noted were both due to excessive runoff from the Whitsunday region land base (lack of clarity of water at sites surveyed), and the negative impacts of tourism (failure to use reef-safe sunscreens and tourists physically damaging coral).
“In both cases, greater emphasis on education is strongly recommended.”
For more information visit: https://www.newbeginnings.net.au/marine-conservation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsMarineProjects.
Photo: Surveys using Coral Watch Coral Health Charts.
