Citizen Science Safari

The Great Reef Census mobilises everyday citizens, from superyachts, tugboats, tourism operators, commercial vessels and the marine industry to collect and analyse tens of thousands of survey images across the Great Barrier Reef from Lady Elliot to the Torres Strait Islands.

Nicole Senn is the Engagement Manager for Citizens, combining her Graduate Diploma in Conservation Biology with her Bachelor of Media & Communications from Queensland University of Technology. Nicole believes that the future of the Great Barrier Reef depends on collective action from individuals and organisations alike.

These days it might seem like we've discovered most of the organisms that live on our planet, but in fact the opposite is true. Here in Australia, it's estimated that just a quarter of our species have been discovered and named. So how do scientists find these new species, and how can you help in the search?

Matt Connors completed his Honours in 2022 and currently works as an entomologist and taxonomist. He loves all biodiversity and has worked with a broad range of species from ants to spiders, but his primary passions are praying mantises, katydids, and the power of citizen science.