From tiny zooxanthellae to the giant clam, the Great Barrier Reef is known around the world for its incredible biodiversity. But what does the word 'biodiversity' actually mean, and more importantly, why does it matter? In our debut episode of Reef in Focus, we welcome the Reef Authority’s Acting Director of Reef Education and Engagement Fiona Merida into the studio to tackle the topic of biodiversity on the Great Barrier Reef.

Long before Fiona studied to become a marine biologist - indeed long before she knew what a marine biologist was - she would spend her leisure time accompanying her dad on hiking trips along the coast of her native Victoria. But it was a trip to tropical North Queensland as a child, when the family crossed the border and made the pilgrimage north - first to K’gari (Fraser Island), then Airlie Beach where she gleaned her first glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef - that would literally change her life.

More: reefauthority.gov.au/podcast