The ongoing project called ‘Coral Watch’ is encouraging reef and beachgoers this summer to participate in the University of Queensland's 'Coral Watch' program to help save Australia’s amazing coral reefs.

The free coral colour chart allows all us snorkellers and divers to compare and record the colour of the coral, the information is then used to help monitor changes and help save our precious reefs.

What’s even better is that all visitors of all cultures can take part as the charts come in French, Chinese and Japanese.

As you may already know Australia supports some very well known and popular coral reef systems, the facts always amaze me, which is why we all have to do our bit to preserve the reefs for future generations:

The Great Barrier Reef, QLD
Australia's most recognized coral reef is the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.  The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site and is comprised of over 2,900 separate reefs, 900 islands and stretches for over 2,600 km's.  In recent years this unique ecosystem has said to be under stress from the effects of climate change.

Ningaloo Reef, WA
Ningaloo Reef in WA is easily accessible to snorkellers and swimmers right off the beach and would be a great place to assist in the research.  Coral Bay is the settlement in front off the reef.

Coral Watch has been running since 2001, and more than 1300 individuals and groups from 80 countries have gathered information which is being used to provide a global picture of the health of our reefs and provide a broader overview of the impact of climate change.   So if you are visiting the reefs this season and want to take part contact Coral Watch for your free kit: info@coralwatch.org