Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Word on the Reef
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
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| S2 E39: Saving Sea Lions & Albatrosses PLUS Good News about Australia's Nature Laws! | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:41:14 | |
What do the world's largest flying bird, with a wingspan of up to 3.5 metres, and the Australian Sea Lion have in common? Both are endangered due to their high risk of entanglement in fishing nets! Today's guest, Zoologist Alexia Wellbelove gives us a birds-eye view on how changes to fishing practices can help bring Albatrosses and Sea Lions back from the brink. We'll also unpack recent changes to Australia's nature laws which scientists hope will help slow the alarming rate of extinctions in Australia. AMCS's Threatened Species Campaign: https://www.marineconservation.org.au/threatened-species/
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| S2 E38: Before the Flood: How Fossils Built the Great Barrier Reef (and the Pyramids!) | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:56:09 | |
What do the Egyptian Pyramids, the Greek Parthenon, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Melbourne's Parliament House all have in common? They are all built out of fossilised reefs, aka limestone! Today we’re taking a journey through deep lime - I mean time - to answer some of those burning questions like: How old is the Great Barrier Reef? What ancient forces built this coral colossus? Why are there fossilised reefs hundreds of metres above sea level and kilometres inland? And perhaps most importantly... What do these lessons from the ancient karst - I mean past - mean for our future? To help us dig up the answers, we’re joined by Russell Kelley - a coral geologist, biologist, and author of the acclaimed Be Your Own Guide coral identification book series - who knows corals both living and extinct like the back of his hand.
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| S2 E29: Caring for Yirrganydji Sea Country on the Great Barrier Reef with Gavin Singleton | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:38:19 | |
First Nations people have been caring for land and sea along the Great Barrier Reef Coast for thousands of years. In this powerful interview, Traditional Owner Gavin Singleton explains the enduring connection First Nations people have with the Reef, what they're doing to help protect it, and how we can all foster a stronger connection with each other and the Reef. The didgeridoo recording at the end of this episode is from Gavin's 2018 TEDx Talk at JCU. More information: 💸 WIN $100! Fill out our Word on the Reef Listener Survey before 30 September 2025 to go in the draw. ENTER HERE.
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| S2 E28: Corals' Last Stand: The Fight to Save Scott Reef | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:42:39 | |
Scott Reef, Australia’s largest remote offshore reef, is a breathtaking sanctuary for corals, fish, rare sea snakes, nesting turtles, and pygmy blue whales. But this natural wonder is under threat from a mega gas drilling and carbon dumping proposal. Fossil fuel campaigner Louise Morris from the Australian Marine Conservation Society joins us to explain what’s at stake and how we can fight back. Plus: we unpack Australia’s new 2035 climate target with AMCS Reef Campaigner Lissa Schindler — and why experts say it’s not enough to protect our oceans. Thumbnail Image Credit: Nush Freedman Photography
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| S2 E27: Stronger Storms, Stronger Solutions: Saving Coral After Cyclones | 06 Sep 2025 | 00:41:17 | |
Cyclones are part of life in the tropics, but climate change is making them stronger and more destructive. On the Great Barrier Reef, their force can pulverise thriving coral gardens into unstable rubble fields where baby corals struggle to grow. But there’s hope! In this week’s episode, we dive into an innovative solution that’s helping damaged reefs bounce back — and discover how you can play a role in bringing them back to life again! This week's guest: Freda Nicholson, marine biologist and Program Manager for Mars Sustainable Solutions. Shout-out to our latest Patreon supporter, Dr Sally Gregory -- check out her underwater cleanup project at Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast!
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| S2 E26: Restoring Seagrass on the Great Barrier Reef with Dr Tim Smith | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:39:36 | |
Seagrass meadows are the unsung heroes of the Great Barrier Reef – nurseries for fish, food for turtles and dugongs, and a frontline defence against climate change. But after a massive die-off, Dr Tim Smith and the team at JCU TropWATER faced a huge challenge: how do you restore these fragile ecosystems while dealing with crocodiles, stingers, and waist-deep mud? The answer: helicopters, hovercraft, dugong poo, 2,000 baby seagrass plants – and an army of everyday volunteers. 🎧 In this episode, dive into a world-first tropical seagrass restoration project and discover how you can be part of the solution. 👉 Sign up to volunteer: https://ozfish.org.au/events
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| S2 E25: Just Say Yes: Why You Should Volunteer with Reef Check on the Great Barrier Reef | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:43:09 | |
Ever dreamed of exploring the Great Barrier Reef for free—while making a real difference? With Reef Check Australia, volunteers can join survey dives and help clean up marine debris, all while experiencing the Reef up close. But what does it take to become a qualified reef surveyor? In this episode, Reef Check Australia’s General Manager, Jodi Salmond, shares how you can get involved and play a hands-on role in protecting this natural wonder.
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| S2 E24: Not Just a Pretty Shell: The Beautiful and Terrifying Molluscs of the Great Barrier Reef | 16 Aug 2025 | 00:40:13 | |
What has no arms, no legs, and no brain, but can flash like a disco light, help control pests and kill you in minutes? Queensland Museum's mollusc expert Darryl Potter has spent three decades fearlessly tracking down these armoured beasts all along the Great Barrier Reef, and he's here to tell us why they're more than just an ornament for your bathroom. It's one shell of a show!
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| S2 E23: Swimming Against the Current: Overcoming Fear, Failure, and Neurodivergence to Become a Global Shark Advocate | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:43:04 | |
Growing up with ADHD and Dyslexia, Aliah Banchik never thought she could achieve calm focus, let alone become a successful scientist, artist and Netflix star. Then she discovered sharks. In this inspiring episode, Aliah shares her mission to reshape how we see both sharks and neurodivergence, revealing the beauty in misunderstood animals and people alike. We’ll also chat about her journey on Netflix’s All The Sharks—no spoilers, we promise!
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| S2 E22: Dammed if you Don't: Saving Fish from Migration Mayhem | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:40:50 | |
Did you know some of our marine fish are living DOUBLE LIVES? That’s right, they want the best of both worlds, saltwater and freshwater. So one minute they’re living the dream on a beautiful coral reef, next minute they’ve decided they need a tree change, and they’re swimming up into our rivers. What are they doing there? And importantly – what happens when humans build dams, causeways and other watery traffic jams that block these fish from finishing their migration missions?
Thumbnail Image: Sean and colleague using electrofishing to capture fish for research purposes in New Zealand. Note: Do not attempt this in crocodile inhabited waters in Far North Queensland!
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| S2 E21: SPOTTED: The Great Barrier Reef's first known Whale Shark Aggregation Site | 26 Jul 2025 | 00:40:59 | |
Whale sharks—harmless, majestic giants—have long been mystery visitors on the Great Barrier Reef, their movements shrouded in secrecy... until now. In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified the Reef’s first known whale shark aggregation site. Join us as we uncover where these elusive creatures have been hiding with Ingo Miller—marine biologist turned shark detective. On a mission to find and protect the world’s largest fish before it’s too late, Ingo followed the clues to their secret gathering spot. Want to know where it is? You’ll have to tune in to find out. LEARN MORE
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| S2 E20 Everything Kirsty Webeck Needs to Say About Sea Creatures | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:40:57 | |
Australian comedian Kirsty Webeck loves sea creatures. She's learned a lot about them through her lifelong passion for snorkelling - and now she's here to share what the sperm whales don't want you to know. She is currently touring with her live standup show called Everything I Need to Say About Sea Creatures and it's a real hoot to have her joining us on Word on the Reef this week! We also chat with Dave George from the Cairns Nautilus Scuba Club, who shares why joining your local dive club might be the best decision you make for your social life, your scuba skills, and your connection to the underwater world. If you're someone who enjoys a good whale tale with a side of comedy, this episode’s for you!
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| S2 E37: Pig of a Problem: Saving Baby Sea Turtles from Porky Predators on the Great Barrier Reef | 06 Dec 2025 | 00:40:29 | |
Pigs can't fly, nor can they dive in the ocean. But they are posing a serious threat to endangered sea turtles by pigging out on turtle eggs and hatchlings in Cape York. This is not the good kind of bacon and eggs combo. It's Ham-ageddon for our nesting sea turtles! Cape York Natural Resource Management representatives Dr Manuela Fischer and Scott Morrison (no relation to the former Australian PM) are working on a solution! Today they join us in the studio to explain how we can deal with this a-pork-alypse and give our sea turtles a chance for the future. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kf1aDsr0p9A
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| S2 E19: Modern Day Castaway: A Gruelling 50 Days Alone on the Reef | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:43:33 | |
Meet Mike Atkinson — former military pilot turned solo adventurer, survival expert, and filmmaker. In one of the boldest voyages ever attempted, Mike hand-carved a dugout canoe and sailed it 1,500 kilometres up the Great Barrier Reef — from Townsville to the Torres Strait — using only traditional, handmade fishing and hunting tools. No engine. No GPS. No esky. FOLLOW MIKE
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| S2 E18: Sex Under the Sea: The Weird World of Marine Reproduction | 06 Jul 2025 | 00:38:23 | |
Welcome to the ocean -- where your genitals are on your face, males give birth, and gender is more of a suggestion than a rule. You can snooze in a bubble of your own vomit or switch sexes overnight without anyone batting a fin. What a world! This week we’re joined by Mike Scotland - marine biologist, underwater photographer, and editor of DiveLog Magazine. With 50 years of diving, thousands of dives, and two books under his weight belt (Marine Biology in the Wild and Diving With Sharks), Mike’s here to tell us why humans have more in common with flatworms than we’d like to admit -- and how to keep your spines clean if you’re a sea urchin. Dive in! Thumbnail Image: Gold-speckled flatform (Thysanozoon nigropapillosum)
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| S2 E17: Trawl Wars: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park vs. The Fishing Industry | 28 Jun 2025 | 00:44:15 | |
The 1990s was a wild west era for fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. Even after being declared a Marine Park and a World Heritage area, more than 95% of the Great Barrier Reef was still being fished, and things were heading downhill fast. Then came a bombshell report that exposed what was really going on beneath the surface -- and all hell broke loose. What followed was a fierce battle known as the ‘Trawl Wars,' and unfortunately, it did not happen in a galaxy far, far away. Thumbnail Image: Imogen Zethoven in front of a van owned by a Mackay local at a meeting in the early 2000s. Glossary of Australian Terms for our International Listeners
Take Action on Overfishing: -------------------------------
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| S2 E16: Shark Tracker: The Wild Life of Richard Fitzpatrick | 21 Jun 2025 | 00:48:12 | |
Richard Fitzpatrick wants to change the way you think about sharks. Ever since he kept a pet shark as a kid, Richard has made it his life’s mission to rewrite the story of one of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators. Now an Emmy-winning cinematographer, marine biologist and shark researcher, he’s spent more than 15,000 hours swimming with sharks — filming them, tagging them, and tracking them for science, often using wildly unorthodox (and very hands-on) methods. In this episode of Word on the Reef, learn how to rope and tame a wild shark, why jokes can come back to bite you in the butt (literally), and why you should always watch your footing when you’re standing on a boat surrounded by sharks. We bust some myths about shark behaviour, and explore how cutting-edge research is helping protect both humans and these vital apex predators. Whether you’re afraid of sharks, fascinated by them, or a bit of both — this episode is for you. Learn More
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| S2 E15: Save the Reef from your Sofa: Citizen Science with Nicole Senn | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:44:52 | |
Did you know you can help with coral research on the Great Barrier Reef without even leaving your couch? On this week's episode of Word on the Reef, get ready to swipe right on high-value corals as we dive into the incredible world of citizen science. Our guest is Nicole Senn, Head of Engagement at Citizens of the Reef and passionate ocean advocate, who reveals how everyday people all over the world are helping monitor coral health - no snorkel or flippers required! Nicole shares how the data you analyse on your phone or laptop can make a real-world difference for Reef conservation... And win you a free trip to the real Reef! Find out how you can become a citizen scientist, contribute to global coral research, and be part of the solution. Find out More:
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| S2 E14: Tree-mendous Impacts: How Forests Help Save Coral Reefs | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:43:08 | |
Did you know that deforestation up to 1,000 kilometres inland can harm coral reefs and potentially fuel outbreaks of coral-eating starfish? This week we explore one of the lesser-known but critical threats to the Great Barrier Reef: declining water quality due to land clearing. Our guest this week is Sarah Sims, a conservation and land management expert, dive instructor, and underwater photographer based in Cairns. Sarah's love of the Reef has inspired her to trace water pollution back to its roots: literally. Sarah is the powerhouse behind two not-for-profit reforestation initiatives - TreeForce Cairns and Holloways Beach Coast Care. Sarah helps us unpack the staggering extent of land clearing in Queensland, and what we can all do to reforest our riverbanks and restore the health of our oceans.
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| S2 E13: Undercover Investigation: The Supermarket Plastics Trashing our Oceans | 30 May 2025 | 00:43:19 | |
Did you know Aussies are among the worst plastic polluters on the planet - second only to Singapore for our use of single-use plastic packaging? Every year, 145,000 tonnes of plastic waste leak into our environment, and most of it comes from our supermarkets. Many of these plastics are not recyclable, and even when binned “correctly," they escape - blown by wind, swept by rain - ending up in rivers, oceans, and inside marine life. From turtles mistaking bags for jellyfish to seabirds literally crunching from the plastic in their guts, our throwaway culture is devastating wildlife… and it’s coming back to poison us too. But there are solutions. This week, we’re joined by Tara Jones, Plastics & Packaging Program Manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, who reveals the shock findings from her supermarket plastics investigation. It's infuriating and eye opening, but it also holds the key to what we can do to stop the plastic tide. 💙 Plus: Find out how to join our Fin Club and receive a personalised video message from your favourite marine animal at the Cairns Aquarium!
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| S2 E12: Toxic Tide: South Australia's Deadly Algal Bloom Disaster | 23 May 2025 | 00:57:21 | |
In South Australia, a toxic algal bloom has resulted in more than 12,000 marine animals from nearly 450 different species washing up dead on local beaches, turning once-thriving ecosystems into underwater graveyards and leaving locals traumatised... But what's causing this disaster, and what can we do about it? This week's guest: Stefan Andrews, marine biologist, filmmaker, educator, and Co-Founder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation,
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| S2 E11: How to Save the Ocean: Taking Meaningful Action on Climate Change | 17 May 2025 | 01:01:53 | |
Climate Change is the biggest threat to coral reefs worldwide, causing unprecedented coral bleaching events. But there are things we can all do to help - and you don't need to be a marine biologist or even live anywhere near the ocean to make a difference! Here's your guide to powerful, practical climate action to help save the Great Barrier Reef - and the best part? You can do it from anywhere! Joining us this week is marine scientist and climate campaigner Dr Yolanda Waters, founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, to share real, tangible ways to take action — no matter who you are or where you live. In this episode:
Take Action Now:
📸 Thumbnail Image by Darian Woods
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| S2 E10: Trash Talk: Inside the Marine Debris Crisis on the Great Barrier Reef – and What You Can Do | 09 May 2025 | 00:41:39 | |
This week we head to the remote beaches of the Great Barrier Reef—where plastic pollution is piling up faster than we can clean it. But is picking up rubbish really the solution? Or just the beginning? Join us as we play trash detective with marine debris expert Heidi Tait, founder of Tangaroa Blue and the Australian Marine Debris Initiative. From her early days as a dive instructor to shaping global plastic policies, Heidi shares her extraordinary story—and the innovative ways she’s turning data into action. Discover where this plastic really comes from, why even the most isolated coastlines aren’t safe, and how you can be part of the movement to stop pollution before it hits the beach. Plus, hosts Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban break down what the latest Federal Election means for the future of the Great Barrier Reef.
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| S2 E36: Disappearing Islands: The Race to Save Turtle Eggs from Rising Seas | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:44:11 | |
As the planet warms, more than 3000 sea turtle eggs have been evacuated from low-lying Raine Island on the Great Barrier Reef to save them from rising sea levels. It's an emergency intervention never attempted before on the Great Barrier Reef. But can the eggs survive the relocation? And what does this egg-sistential crisis mean for the future of our sea turtles and other island-dwelling animals? Dr Mark Read from the Marine Park Authority explains all in this eye-opening episode.
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| S2 E9: Catching Air, Calling for Action: A Tour Operator's Plea to Save the Great Barrier Reef | 02 May 2025 | 00:41:41 | |
Brett Wright has spent the past 30 years taking visitors to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas with his tour company Windswell Adventures—and he's seen the changes up close. From worsening coral bleaching to the devastation of extreme weather events, climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a reality affecting his livelihood and the Reef he loves. Brett shares a heartfelt call for stronger climate leadership, while reminding us that the Reef is still alive, breathtaking, and worth fighting for. Also in this episode: How do we talk to others about climate change in a way that inspires, not alienates? Zef Aster, Outreach Campaigner and long-time volunteer with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, shares practical tips for starting meaningful conversations and creating real community impact.
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| S2 E8: Hot Water and Hot Air: Which Political Parties Have the Best Policies to Protect the Great Barrier Reef? | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:39:57 | |
In this special Election Edition of Word on the Reef, Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban dive into one of the most critical questions facing Australians ahead of the Federal Election: Who has the best plan to save the Great Barrier Reef? To find out, we’re joined by Maria Poulos Conklin, Head of Government Relations at the Australian Conservation Foundation, who breaks down ACF's powerful Election Scorecard, comparing how each major party stacks up on climate and environmental policies... and let's just say it's a little confronting! PLUS, all the major political candidates for the Far North Queensland electorate of Leichhardt have been invited to share their Reef protection policies with us. Today we're joined by Dr Phillip Musumeci, Greens candidate for Leichhardt, to talk about tube worms, space lasers and why sheep are big fans of solar energy. 🐑 If you care about the Reef and having a safe climate, this episode is a must-listen before you head to the polls. 🎧 Listen now and share with a mate who's still deciding their vote.
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| S2 E7: Coral in Crisis: The Great Barrier Reef's Sixth Mass Bleaching Event in 9 Years | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:46:57 | |
The federal election is just two weeks away — and it turns out some politicians are still floundering when it comes to climate change. While the Reef suffers, some parties are busy serving up red herrings instead of real solutions. We’re joined by special guest Simon Miller from the Australian Marine Conservation Society to unpack the science, the politics, and the solutions. If you care about the Reef, this is the election to vote like it. For more information on how you can help, visit www.fightforourreef.org.au Also in this episode: 🐡 Brett shares what the fish think of your vote (and Big Chang the fish throws some serious side-eye.)
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| S2 E6: Wilderness Under Threat: Western Australia's Incredible Reefs | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:44:37 | |
This week, our guest is West Australian coral ecologist Associate Professor Zoe Richards, who's had some extraordinary dives - with crocodiles, on nuclear bomb sites, and discovering new coral species! From emus on the beach to seals frolicking with corals, this is both a love letter to WA’s reefs and a powerful wake-up call for their protection.
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| S2 E5: Paradise in Peril: Lizard Island's Reefs on the Brink | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:37:49 | |
This week we're heading back to spectacular Lizard Island to uncover what’s changed since last year’s record-breaking coral bleaching event. New research station co-director Dr David Abrego takes us a vivid tour of this world-renowned reef science hub and shares the sobering reality of back-to-back bleaching events that are pushing corals to the brink. From flying over glittering turquoise waters to diving deep into marine heatwaves, coral adaptation, and reef restoration, this episode is a rollercoaster of awe, hope, and heartbreak. Discover why Lizard Island has been visited by the likes of David Attenborough and former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, how it inspired world heritage protection, and why what happens there could determine the fate of reefs everywhere. Highlights include:
This is more than just a reef update—it’s a call to action. Because if we protect the reef, we protect ourselves.
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| S2 E4: Diving for Climate: Can Tourism Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef? | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:42:56 | |
This week, we dive deep into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef’s current coral bleaching crisis with marine social scientist and CEO of Divers for Climate, Dr. Yolanda Waters. 🔬 What’s causing this widespread bleaching event? Join us as we explore Yolanda’s groundbreaking research on how climate conversations in tourism can inspire real change. From the power of education on the reef to the actions we can take beyond the water, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and a call to action for everyone who loves the ocean. Don’t miss this essential conversation.
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| S2 E3: It Snot What You Think: How Whale Mucus can help us Protect Whales | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:44:17 | |
This week, conservationist, photographer and filmmaker Christian Miller takes us on an unforgettable journey — from swimming alongside the planet’s largest animal, to eavesdropping on a humpback whale krill hunt. Along the way, we’ll dodge jaguars and flesh-eating ants in the Amazon, and learn why you can’t hide anything from a whale (spoiler: they can literally see through you). Strap in — it’s a wild ride.
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| S2 E2: Magnificent Magnetic Island: The Great Barrier Reef's Best Kept Secret | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:42:49 | |
This week, marine biologist and underwater photographer Lawrence Scheele takes us beneath the surface at Magnetic Island for a wild and wonderful tour of its marine life. Discover how jellyfish can detect and dodge humans (despite having no brains), why attempting sign language with a cuttlefish is a big mistake, and how to spot the telltale signs that an octopus might be living in your neighbourhood (spoiler: they are messy!) Check out Lawrence's Book here! It's our second week broadcasting the show live on CairnsFM 89.1 and it's a cracker! Catch us live every Friday at cairnsfm891.org.au for your weekly deep dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.
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| S2 E1: Heartbreak and Healing on the Great Barrier Reef: How the Ocean Gave Me A Second Chance At Life | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:41:13 | |
Word on the Reef is back — and now broadcasting live on CairnsFM 89.1 every Friday at 10am (Queensland Time)! Tune in on your radio or stream online at cairnsfm891.org.au for your weekly deep dive into marine science on the Great Barrier ReEef and beyond! In our Season Two premiere, host Tanya Murphy opens up about how the underwater world transformed her life — and we welcome a brand new co-host, Brett Goodban. Brett had racked up over 16,000 dives and was living his dream life as an underwater photographer on the Reef when heartbreak struck. Literally. Stripped of his identity and purpose, Brett spiralled into darkness — until the ocean called him back in a surprising and powerful way. This is a moving story about loss, resilience, and finding hope where you least expect it.
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| S1 E16: Top 8 Animals to See at the Great Barrier Reef: Part III | 21 Sep 2024 | 00:43:56 | |
In this jam-packed finale to our three-part series, Master Reef Guide Tahn Miller joins host Tanya Murphy to finally reveal the top three most iconic animals to see on the Reef - and our insider secrets on where, when, and how to find them. If you’re planning a Reef adventure, you won't want to miss this episode! Thumbnail image by Tahn Miller
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| S2 E35: Muddying the Waters: Deforestation and the Water Pollution Crisis on the Great Barrier Reef | 22 Nov 2025 | 00:42:17 | |
Did you know Australia has one of the highest deforestation rates in the developed world? About 20% of Queensland's vegetation has been bulldozed since colonisation -- one million hectares in the last three years alone -- mainly for cattle farming. What impact is this having on the Great Barrier Reef, and what can we do to fix it? To find out, this week we're chatting with Dr Maximilian Hirschfeld, Water Quality Campaign Manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Take Action:
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| S1 E15: Top 8 Animals to See At the Great Barrier Reef: Part II | 14 Sep 2024 | 00:27:22 | |
Today we're continuing our countdown of the Top 8 Fantastic Beasts of the Great Barrier Reef and Where to Find Them, with Master Reef Guide Tahn Miller. You won't believe some of the encounters he's had with today's animals!
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| S1 E14: Is the Great Barrier Reef in Danger? | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:32:56 | |
The Great Barrier Reef has just experienced its worst summer on record, with cyclones, severe rainfall, flooding, and its most extreme coral bleaching event ever. The World Heritage Committee has expressed concerns that the Australian Government isn't doing enough to protect the Reef, particularly regarding its climate policies, and advised the Reef may face a possible 'In Danger' listing. To explain what that means and what we need to do about it, our guest this week is Reef and World Heritage Expert Dr Jon Day.
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| S1 E13: Top 8 Animals to See at the Great Barrier Reef (and Where to Find Them) | 25 Jul 2024 | 00:32:32 | |
Tahn Miller is a Master Reef Guide who has spent 14 years observing and teaching people about magical creatures on the Great Barrier Reef. Join us as we swap crazy stories about close encounters with these incredible animals, while counting down the Top 8 Fantastic Beasts of the Great Barrier Reef and Where to Find Them! (JK Rowling reference, for the Muggles out there).
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| S1 E12: Whale Season on the Great Barrier Reef with Dr Olaf Meynecke | 24 Jun 2024 | 00:47:05 | |
Winter is an incredible time to see, hear, and even swim with whales on the Great Barrier Reef! But they also get up to some pretty weird things, and today we'll learn all about the secrets of whales from someone who has dedicated his life to studying them.
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| S1 E11: Breaking: Global Coral Bleaching Event with Dr Derek Manzello | 09 Jun 2024 | 00:30:10 | |
It's official - we are in the midst of the world’s worst coral bleaching event on record, affecting two thirds of corals globally, spanning some 64 countries and territories. We've already explored some of the impacts on the Great Barrier Reef - this week we'll head overseas to find out about the impacts in other countries.
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| S1 E10: Drills and Spills: How The Great Barrier Reef Was Saved from Big Oil | 24 May 2024 | 00:35:38 | |
In the 1960s, the future of the Great Barrier Reef was in jeopardy when a covert deal to drill for oil threatened its survival. A brave group of volunteers took on powerful forces and won, saving the Reef for future generations. Today we're talking with two of those heroes - Eddie Hegerl and Di Tarte. This episode reveals their inspiring fight and why their battle still matters today.
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| S1 E9: Coral or Concrete: How the Great Barrier Reef was Saved from Coral Mining | 04 May 2024 | 00:18:06 | |
In the late 1960s, the Great Barrier Reef faced destruction from coral mining to supply materials for fertilizer and concrete. Few knew or cared about it, until a group of passionate volunteers stepped in to stop the devastation. In this episode, we meet Eddie Hegerl and Di Tarte, two of the original trailblazers who fought to protect the Reef. Hear their powerful story and explore the hidden history of how close we came to losing one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
See also: www.ninneyrise.com
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| S1 E8: Sea Turtles of the Great Barrier Reef with Richard Fitzpatrick | 18 Apr 2024 | 00:34:27 | |
🐢 Sea turtles can grow to the size of a table, navigate using magnets in their brain, and fight off gangs of sharks. 🦈 But after 100 million years in our oceans, their existence is now under threat. This week we visit Raine Island with Marine Biologist and Emmy-winning cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick to find out why.
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| S1 E7: Coral restoration on the Great Barrier Reef with Dr Lorna Howlett | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:26:18 | |
This week we visit a coral nursery near Port Douglas, to see how tourism operators are teaming up with scientists to care for their patches of reef. The Coral Nurture Program is showing promising results - but what are its limitations, and what role does it play in protecting our Reef? 🪸
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| S1 E6: Coral Bleaching at Lizard Island with Dr Anne Hoggett | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:25:49 | |
The Marine Park Authority has confirmed the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its seventh mass coral bleaching event - the fifth in just eight years, driven by global warming 🫠 This week we head to stunning Lizard Island to find out what's causing this disaster and what we can all do to help 🏝️
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| S2 E34: Coral Spawning Research and Protecting Mangroves on the Great Barrier Reef | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:44:41 | |
Spring has sprung and it’s baby-making season on the Great Barrier Reef! In this episode we talk coral spawning with marine scientist Dr Katie Chartrand, plus, we dive into the world of mangrove forests with CAFNEC's Shannon Bredeson.
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| S1 E5: First Peoples of the Great Barrier Reef with Malachi Johnson | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:48:59 | |
“The Reef is our nervous system. It’s made up of land, sea , sky, animals, and people… Once we destroy that nervous system, it’s critical damage for our body. Because we are all one." 🙌🏽 🌏 This week, Gooreng Gooreng man Malachi Johnson talks about how Indigenous ways of viewing the world can help us heal our relationship with the Reef, heal our relationship with each other, and ultimately, heal ourselves. 🖤💛❤️
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| S1 E4: Breaking: Coral bleaching at Heron Island with Dr Stuart Kininmonth | 24 Feb 2024 | 00:28:18 | |
The Marine Park Authority has confirmed severe coral bleaching is unfolding on the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef 🪸 So this week, we head to Heron Island to meet the island's chief scientist and see first-hand what's happening 🏝️.
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| S1 E3: Can Corals Survive Climate Change? With Dr Kate Quigley | 17 Feb 2024 | 00:30:13 | |
What is the limit of coral resilience? To help us unpack this question, this week we're joined by Dr Kate Quigley, a molecular ecologist who has spent years studying corals up close 🪸. Lately, Kate has been selectively breeding corals to try and increase their heat tolerance 🫠 - a race against time as the Reef starts to show the first signs of coral bleaching for 2024. Together, we break down the 2024 mass bleaching event, why some corals are more sensitive than others, what really happens when corals bleach, and how long they can hang on before it's too late. Most importantly, we discuss what you can do to help protect these underwater wonders. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious listener, this episode will deepen your understanding of coral life—and what's at stake in a warming world.
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| S1 E2: A Snorkel Tour on the Great Barrier Reef | 13 Feb 2024 | 00:21:11 | |
This week we're off on a snorkelling adventure to meet the curious creatures who built the Great Barrier Reef. 🪸 On this fun and immersive tour, learn which types of coral grow on the Reef, what it's made from, how it grows, what it eats, how it reproduces, what poses the biggest threat to its existence, and what we can all do to protect it!
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