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We are the forerunners of reef restoration on the Great Barrier Reef.

In early 2016, record ocean temperatures led to intense and widespread coral bleaching in the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef. In early 2017, it happened again, this time in the central third of the Great Barrier Reef. The unprecedented back-to-back mass coral bleaching events was then compounded in March 2017 by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

In May 2017, the Reef Authority convened a Reef Summit where it was concluded that the frequency and severity of disturbances required a different approach to management. A key outcome was to permit intervention in the natural process of recovery, including reef restoration.

Reef Restoration Foundation incorporated on 11 July 2017 then secured the first permit on 13 October 2017 and installed the first ocean-based multi-species coral nursery on the Great Barrier Reef at Fitzroy Island on 7 December 2017.

Today, we work at three sites that are accessed from the port of Cairns. Our original site at Fitzroy Island is dedicated to R&D. And we have nurseries at Hastings Reef and Moore Reef where our permit allows us to produce additional coral larvae at a large scale.

We have stayed true to our original community-based model in the belief that a groundswell of action from our communities creates a snowball effect that can’t be ignored. 

If you wish to support our Resilience & Recovery program, please make a tax-deductible donation or come onboard as a sponsor.

The Great Barrier Reef Turns White

February 2016

Mass coral bleaching occurs in the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef. Rainfall from Category 5 Cyclone Winston, contained the geographical extent of the impact by moderating conditions.

Inspiration Strikes

March 2016

After re-growing cut corals in a small tank, a Cairns-based marine aquarium hobbyist thinks to replicate the concept at sea.

Second Mass Bleaching Event

April – May 2017

This time, in the middle third of the Great Barrier Reef, followed by Category 5 Cyclone Debbie. This prompted the rules to be changed enabling reef restoration in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Permission Granted

October – December, 2017

Reef Restoration Foundation secured the first ever permit on 13 October 2017 and installed the first ever coral nursery on the Great Barrier Reef at Fitzroy Island on 7 December 2017.

Multiple Nurseries Created

Today

Coral nurseries are in operation at Fitzroy Island, Hastings Reef and Moore Reef. A full time team oversees an increasingly sophisticated operation.

We’re supported by a global network of individual donors, businesses and Marine Tourism partners who are passionate about our vision.

We are involved with Cairns-Port Douglas Reef Hub, the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, and we are Network Members of Reef Renewal International.

Eager to get involved and support a collective Reef Recovery vision?

Collaboration, innovation, and continual improvement sits at the core of what we do and drives us to offer a safe, fun, and rewarding experience for all involved.

These businesses and organisations support our Reef Recovery endeavours–with many being on board since we began.

There’s room for you to become one of our supporters today!