In 2021, an analysis of the health of the Coral Reef Exhibit (CRE), a two million litre saltwater exhibit, was undertaken to ascertain a baseline before construction activities.
The analysis took the form of a transect survey that quantified the composition of hard coral, soft coral, algae and other components found in the CRE. The project involved 5 transects, 100 photos, 850 data points and 1,600 metres of swimming.
The survey results will assist to inform strategies to maintain the health of the corals during the works as well as to improve system condition and efficacy. Some of the photos taken as part of the survey can be seen below.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority acknowledges the expertise, wisdom, and enduring connections that have informed the guardianship of the Reef for millennia. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners as the first managers of this land and sea Country, and value their traditional knowledge which continues to inform the current management and stewardship of the Reef for future generations. We pay our respects to the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba Traditional Owners on whose land the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is situated on. We acknowledge their connection to Country and are honoured to be collaborating with the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba community to co-design exhibits highlighting culture values and connections to sea Country.