The Great Barrier Reef: Surviving, thriving and inspiring

Corals have a unique way of ensuring their survival in a highly volatile world. Katrina will shine a light on the venomous world of corals and the wealth of therapeutic potential waiting to be discovered.

In the pursuit of her PhD, Katrina is currently exploring the impacts that coral bleaching may have on the venom ecology of photo-symbiotic cnidarians (corals, sea anemones and jellyfish).

Reef restoration or ‘assisted reef recovery’ as it is more accurately described, is a rapidly growing movement with projects appearing throughout the tropical world. But can it make a difference on the vast Great Barrier Reef?

Ryan completed his MSc in 2001 assessing and managing the fishery and trade in live reef fish for food from Solomon Islands to China. He has since been involved with many aspects of reef related conservation, business and industry.

The Great Barrier Reef helps power our ocean, our economy, and our way of life. But it could also be the key to something more. Yolanda will explain how the Reef inspires action and how it could help tackle the greatest threat we face today, climate change.

Yolanda is a dive instructor turned environmental social scientist, community organiser and ocean advocate. She is currently completing her PhD at the Queensland University of Technology and is the community coordinator for Divers for Climate.