Weekly reef surveys are how our Reef Research Team keeps a close eye on Moore Reef. You may have seen recent news about crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) on the Great Barrier Reef — this is what that coverage means, and how our monitoring data supports reef protection decisions.

At Sunlover Reef Cruises, that work is led by our dedicated Reef Research Team — a team of marine biologists delivering reef monitoring and stewardship through the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI).

What our Reef Research Team does every week

Each week, our marine biologists conduct structured reef surveys at our local stewardship sites (including Moore Reef). Our weekly reef surveys track coral condition and early warning signs so reef managers can respond faster. These surveys focus on reef health indicators such as coral condition, key species sightings, and early signs of pressure on the ecosystem.

When intervention is required, the team can also carry out targeted in-water control work on recognised pest species, including Drupella snails and crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) — the coral predators you’ve likely seen mentioned in the media.

This isn’t “random observations”. It’s consistent monitoring, following established reef survey methods.

Where the data goes (and why it matters)

Our survey results are submitted regularly to the Reef Authority through the Reef’s monitoring systems. That data is compiled alongside information from other operators, researchers and monitoring partners to help build a clearer picture of what’s happening across the Marine Park.

In plain terms: frequent, consistent reef monitoring helps reef managers make better-informed decisions — from identifying emerging issues early to prioritising where protection efforts are needed most. Check out some of the results published by the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Working alongside reef protection partners like INLOC

Reef protection is a team sport (and the reef definitely doesn’t manage itself).

Alongside our monitoring, information is shared with specialist reef protection partners such as INLOC Group, who support broader-scale reconnaissance, logistics, training and coordinated response efforts — including work related to CoTS outbreaks.

INLOC operates as a specialist services organisation focused on marine conservation and ecological restoration, supporting on-the-ground delivery through trained teams and operational capability (vessels, divers, planning and field logistics).

Why tourism operators are part of the solution

Tourism vessels are on the reef constantly — and that frequency matters. It means reef health can be tracked more often, across more days of the year, rather than relying only on occasional survey windows.

That’s the heart of TRPI: empowering reef tourism operators to contribute meaningful monitoring and stewardship at the sites we visit most.

What this means for your visit

If you’re travelling with us soon, your day is still about what it should be: an incredible reef experience, guided by people who know it well.

And if you’d like to be part of reef protection while you’re here, the best help is simple:

• Listen to crew briefings and follow reef-safe snorkelling guidance

• Look, don’t touch (wildlife and coral)

• Give marine life space

• Share what you learn — the reef needs informed advocates as much as it needs calm seas

Read the news coverage

If you’d like the broader context, you can read or watch the ABC News coverage here. Learn more about our weekly reef surveys and reef protection work here.