Coral Crusaders Campaign Launches To Restore The Great Barrier Reef

A campaign, promising to regenerate damaged coral in the Great Barrier Reef has launched and is calling on the public for support.

Established by The Reef Restoration Foundation, Coral Crusaders have been working with scientists to restore and grow coral using coral tree frames in an underwater nursery at Fitzroy Island near Cairns.

The process involves snipping a sample of healthy coral that has survived two bleaching events, and then attaching it to a coral tree frame, which will accelerate the growth of corals.

"Most Australians have a deep affinity for the Great Barrier Reef and are seeking tangible actions to make a difference, so the Foundation is inviting individuals, community groups and the corporate sector to adopt the coral we grow," said Reef Restoration Foundation Chief Executive Stewart Christie.

Starting at $50, you can adopt a coral branch, for $10,000 you can tend a coral tree, and for $80,000 you can nurture a nursery. All donations receive a personalised certificate and email updates on the growth of the coral, as well as additional information about work being done to improve the Great Barrier Reef.

"Allowing coral adoption will give more people the opportunity to be part of the generation of action and restoration on the Great Barrier Reef demonstrating that many small actions can combine to create tangible positive impacts," said Stewart Christie.

"Coral trees already have been sponsored by Oris watches, Cairns education tour company Small World Journeys, Japanese travel agency JTB and marine tourism consultant Gempearl," he said.

The corals are closely monitored by experienced volunteer divers, who constantly measure, check and clean the coral to ensure there are no signs of disease.

"The survival and future of coral reefs are reliant on taking action to address climate change, improve water quality and to regenerate damaged reefs to give them the best chance of survival," Stewart Christie said.

"Reef Restoration Foundation's goal is to grow 25,000 new corals on the Great Barrier Reef by 2021 as part of our vision to accelerate the recovery of damaged high-value reefs and strengthen the Reef's resilience," he said.

(26th September 2018)