AN EYE ON THE REEF
Read the latest news from Take 3 for the Sea Ambassador and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race crew member, Dianne McGrath.
Queensland: beautiful one day, perfect the next. The incredible Great Barrier Reef is one of the many striking natural wonders you can discover here. Airlie Beach, on the coast in the Great Barrier Reef, was the final Australian stopover during the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race. Sailing into Airlie at the end of race 6 was striking. There are 74 islands in the Whitsundays, where Airlie Beach is situated, which are at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and many of the crew spent some of their R&R time snorkelling and exploring the reef while here.
During the stopover, I was fortunate to attend a seminar held by Crystal Lacey, a Master Reef Guide, who imparted her knowledge about the reef on dozens of interested Clipper Race crew and officials. I learnt about how the reefs are formed, who the ‘Great 8’ are, what the indicator species are, and heard about a fantastic citizen science program called Eye on the Reef.
Crystal Lacey’s ‘A Master Reef Guide’ seminar
A bit like how we can all have a positive impact on our oceans and waterways by picking up 3 pieces of rubbish next time we are at the beach, we can also help protect the Great Barrier Reef by being attentive. Eye on the Reef is an app that educates about the reef, and also encourages anyone who goes to the reef to report what they see – good and bad – so that this unique part of our country can be protected.
During each beach clean I’ve participated in all around the world, I’m always reminded of my why. Why do it? Why spend my time picking up someone else’s litter? Because of our beautiful planet. Because of our reef. Because this stunning part of our First Nations peoples Sea Country is important to us all. The world’s coral reefs are not only home to critical ecosystems, but they are also responsible for half of our planet’s oxygen.
Half of each breathe I take is a gift from our coral reefs. This is something to not only be grateful for, but to protect and keep an eye on.