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.
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Great Barrier Reef Aquarium redevelopment ft. Fred Nucifora
Since opening in 1987, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ) has provided millions of people a chance to experience the magic and wonder of the Reef without getting wet. It’s home to the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and has inspired curiosity, learning, and love for the Reef across generations.After closing to the public for major upgrades, questions have been raised. Will it reopen? Is there funding to finish the job? What does the future hold for this iconic tourism and education facility in Townsville?In this episode, we speak with Fred Nucifora, the Reef Authority’s General Manager of Major Projects, to get the facts on the redevelopment and the vital role the Aquarium continues to play in Reef education, science, and storytelling.
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From protection to partnership: the Reef management journey ft. Dr Ian Poiner
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.
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Saving the Great Barrier Reef: How a movement became a Marine Park ft. Rohan Lloyd
Protecting the Reef isn’t just about science. It’s about people, passion, and persistence. The fight to save the Reef started with everyday Australians who cared enough to act, and 50 years later, that same spirit is just as important. The Reef’s story is our story, and it’s still being written.We're diving into a truly special episode, marking 50 years since the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act, a milestone in environmental protection that helped shape how we care for this natural wonder. To help us explore the deep history and human story behind one of Australia’s greatest environmental achievements, we're joined by Dr Rohan Lloyd, historian and author of Saving the Reef. From protest movements to policy breakthroughs, Rohan brings the past to life and helps us understand how far we've come in protecting the Reef.
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State of the Reef: Between two scientists ft. Dr David Wachenfeld and Dr Roger Beeden
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
Welcome to the Reef Authority's 'Reef in Focus' podcast, where we tackle the big topics of the Great Barrier Reef. You can listen to episodes on our website or on your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast and share it with your friends. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes.
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