Cairns-Port Douglas
Reef Hub
Reef Hub Round Up
The Reef Hub Round Up is our annual mini symposium to bring together the Reef Hub network to share their work and find out about the latest updates from science in the region. We launched this annual event in 2024 and had over 70 people from across the Reef Hub network join us. Below is a summary of what we discussed in 2024 and 2025.
2024
Status and Trends for the Great Barrier Reef
Professor Morgan Pratchett from JCU opened the day with a summary of the latest research from the GBR. Morgan covered everything from long-term coral trends, to the impact of coral loss on fish, to Crown of Thorns outbreaks, to the outlook for the coming summer. This talk highlighted the challenges the Reef faces and the need for action on climate change, but also the role of local action
Reef stewardship from our region
We heard from local initiatives including the Forever Reef project, Reef Restoration Foundation, Coral Nurture Program and Passions of Paradise. It was great to hear the latest innovations and results that are being driven in our region. We followed this with a discussion around some of the common challenges these projects face and where the Reef Hub can play a role in bringing people together to discuss a joint solution.
Large scale initiatives and policy
In this session RRAP Deputy Director A/Prof Mia Hoogenboom, Industry development lead Dr Kevin Erickson and Engagement co-lead Dr Bruce Taylor provided updates on RRAP research and local on-ground activity. We discussed opportunities for the Hub network to be involved going forward and communications on updates.
We were also joined by Julia Chandler and Kim Wright, director and deputy director of Environmental Assessment and Protection at the Reef Authority. They talked about the permitting process and identified some key points to remember when putting in a permit application.
Thanks to all the presenters in this session for traveling up from Townsville to share with the network.
Caring for sea Country in our region
We heard updates from Yirrgandydji and Jabalbina ranger groups from Jai Singleton and Roger Thomas on their latest projects. Dr Vincent Backhaus and Tya Dynevor spoke about building Indigenous research capacity through supporting undergraduate research cadetships. Brian Singleton from the Reef Hub steering group shared the importance of connection and providing opportunities for Traditional Owner involvement.
Education and Industry engagement
Our last session had talks from Courtney Hansen from North Marine, Enrique Mosquera from Pacific Marine Group and Matt Radburnd from Newman College. These talks highlighted the links between industry and reef stewardship, and also the importance of bringing the younger generation into the Reef stewardship space.
Future of the Reef Hub and wrap up of the day
To finish the day Abbi shared some of the future plans for the Reef Hub and and the types of activities we have been including in our pitches for funding going forward. This was an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts on projects, training and collaborations the Reef Hub can facilitate going forward. Thank you to everyone who provided their feedback and ideas.
2025
Status and Trends for the Great Barrier Reef
Dr Mike Emslie from AIMS took us through the methods behind the AIMS long term monitoring program, and what insights into reef health and dynamics 39 years of data can give us. The results he presented painted a picture of the disturbances and threats the Great Barrier Reef has faced, as well as its remarkable resilience and recovery. The touched on everything from the positive effects of zoning to losses caused by heat stress.
Reef stewardship from our region
We heard from local initiatives and organisations including; Resilient Reefs Foundation, Coral Nurture Program, Down Under Cruise and Dive, TropWATER, Quicksliver Group, Passions of Paradise, CAFNEC, and Citizens of the Reef. It was great to hear the latest updates and initiatives being undertaken in our region, as well as provide a space for these organisations to share challenges they have faced, and spark conversations on collaboration and shared frustrations.
Caring for sea Country in our region
We heard updates from Yirrgandydji, Jabalbina, Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji, Gunggandji, and Mandingalbay Yidinji ranger groups as well as Wakaid. It was incredible to hear the amazing work that has been done by these groups on sea Country, as well as their plans and hopes for the future. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration and the need for spaces like the Reef Hub in order to care for sea Country in the region.
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Reef Management and Policy
Hear we heard updates from the RRAP, from chief scientist for the Reef Authority Rodger Beeden, the Australian & New Zealand Scientific Diving Association and a talk on the concept of hope for the future from Stewart Lockie for the Cairns Institute.
Future of the Reef Hub and wrap up of the day
To finish the day Abbi shared updates on the Reef Hub, including the conclusion of our funding for now. She provided an overview of everything the Reef Hub has been able to achieve during its last three years, thanked everyone for there continued support and involvement, and assured everyone that the Reef Hub team will continue to search for funding to keep this important space up and running. ​
Key takeaways
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Collaboration is key to address the challenges the Reef faces, both in terms of implementing interventions but also in terms of working together on larger scale social science studies. Stay tuned for more on a paper coming out very shortly on this!
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The adaptability and innovation of projects at a grassroots level was really highlighted through the work of organisations in the region, this ability to pivot is key to addressing challenges going forward.
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Traditional Owners in our region are already leading and collaborating on projects to care for sea Country and there are more opportunities to connect TO groups and incorporate Traditional knowledge on projects.
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Local expertise, skills and locally driven solutions are key for impact and scalability of reef interventions.