Reef in Focus

In this this episode of Reef in Focus, we’re stepping back in time to the earliest days of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for an episode that’s been 50 years in the making! Special guest Rod Williams, the Reef Authority’s very first employee, served as Executive Officer from 1976 through to 1981. He sat down with host Lincoln Bertoli to reflect on the highlights and challenges of protecting the world’s largest coral reef during a pivotal moment in Australia’s environmental history… initially with no staff, no office, and no boats!

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Bovery-Spencer to explore how tourism is playing a powerful role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Justin explains how responsible travel practices and strong partnerships with operators are making a real difference, showing that visitors aren’t just experiencing the Reef, they’re helping to save it. Justin shares stories about how tourism supports reef monitoring and research, highlights operators leading conservation efforts, and explains why every visitor’s choices matter for reef health. We also hear how communities and travellers are working together to secure the Reef’s future.

Join us for a conversation with Rob Paxevanos, author of Australian Fishing Basics and host of Fishing Australia, as we dive into what it means to fish smarter, not harder, on the Great Barrier Reef. Rob shares practical, easy-to-use tips for recreational fishers on gear choice, bait, and fishing techniques that help protect the Reef’s delicate ecosystems. We also explore how small changes in behaviour can make a big difference for fish stocks, why knowing your target species matters, and how to enjoy a successful day on the water while leaving the Reef in great shape for future generations.

In this special 50th anniversary episode, we take a look back, and forward at how theGreat Barrier Reef has been cared for over the past five decades. Joining us is Dr IanPoiner, long-time marine scientist and Chair of the Reef Authority board. Often described as the best-managed reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef’s story isone of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, drawing on the latestscience, Traditional Knowledge, and decades of dedicated management. A lot haschanged since the Marine Park was first established, and that journey is far from over.In this episode, we explore how Reef management has evolved, what it looks liketoday, and the hopeful path we’re on for the next 50 years.

The Great Barrier Reef has faced its share of challenges recently, from tropical cyclones to flood plumes and coral bleaching. In the season opener of Reef in Focus season two, we bring together two leading experts: Dr Roger Beeden, Chief Scientist at the Reef Authority, and Dr David Wachenfeld, Research Program Director at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.Join us as we go beyond the headlines to discuss everything from monitoring to management, unpack the impact of recent events on the Reef, and discuss what lies ahead for the summer. It's a must-listen for anyone passionate about the science behind protecting one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems.More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

This year will mark 20 years of Marine Park Zoning, but did you know that that the history of zoning on the Great Barrier Reef actually dates back to the early 80s?  Reef Authority CEO Josh Thomas was in the hot seat for Episode 7 of the Reef in Focus Podcast to discuss the modern Marine Park Zoning Plan, from its early origins, inception, to the incredible benefits now being witnessed right across the Reef. To hear more, along with the perils of being a New South Welshman living in North Queensland when the other 'Origin' rolls around, check out the latest episode of Reef in Focus. More: reefauthority,gov.au/podcast

Coral spawning on the Great Barrer Reef is the most spectacular reproductive show on earth - and a must-see event for reef enthusiasts worldwide. But more than just a synchronised kaleidoscope of colour, spawning also marks the regeneration of the Reef with millions of sperm and eggs shooting into the ocean. It's also an important time for other underwater fauna, with many opportunistically dining out on the nutrient-rich bounty provided by the coral polyps. But just how much do we really know about the friskiest event on the Reef?Dr Jessica Stella is a distinguished marine ecologist and Assistant Director of Reef Health at the Reef Authority. Dr Stella shares her remarkable journey from Massachusetts to the tropical wonders of North Queensland, her fascination with coral reef invertebrates, and an in-depth exploration of the captivating world of coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef.More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

In episode 3 of Reef in Focus, we are joined by the Reef Authority's Chief Scientist, Dr Roger Beeden, to discuss the current health and state of the Reef. He explains why the Reef is not a singular entity but rather a complex mosaic comprising different habitats, species, and conditions. And it's this complexity which makes it challenging to determine whether the Reef is 'dead' or 'alive', especially considering the problematic nature of these terms in the context of colonial animals like coral.Dr Beeden also shares his personal journey of falling in love with the Reef. From his childhood spent in 'the other GBR' (Great Britain) watching documentaries by Jacques Cousteau and David Attenborough, to realising his dream of visiting and working on the Reef as a marine scientist, and recently becoming Chief Scientist of the Reef Authority.More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast

From tiny zooxanthellae to the giant clam, the Great Barrier Reef is known around the world for its incredible biodiversity. But what does the word 'biodiversity' actually mean, and more importantly, why does it matter? In our debut episode of Reef in Focus, we welcome the Reef Authority’s Acting Director of Reef Education and Engagement Fiona Merida into the studio to tackle the topic of biodiversity on the Great Barrier Reef.Long before Fiona studied to become a marine biologist - indeed long before she knew what a marine biologist was - she would spend her leisure time accompanying her dad on hiking trips along the coast of her native Victoria. But it was a trip to tropical North Queensland as a child, when the family crossed the border and made the pilgrimage north - first to K’gari (Fraser Island), then Airlie Beach where she gleaned her first glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef - that would literally change her life.More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast