Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is a beloved international icon, and home to diverse sea life. A tourist hotspot for Australians and people all over the world, the reef sees about 2 million visitors each year. However, its plight is also well known – the coral is being increasingly bleached and killed. 

In this episode, James and Elysee investigate if it’s possible to be an ethical tourist in one of the world’s most fragile and important ecosystems. 

They begin on the Cairns wharf, talking to the reef visitors themselves. People have come far and wide to be here, and all know that coral is under threat, but not too many know exactly why. Marine biologist and reef guide, Kate Slaughter, explains what coral even is in the first place, and the cause of increased bleachings. 

Tanya Murphy, a community campaigner with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, talks about the misconceptions behind the reef’s health and emphasises the impact of climate change on bleaching. 

James, Elysee, and the wharf tourists reflect on their impact on the reef. Tanya and Kate also touch on tourism operators’ place in conserving the natural resource they profit from, with surveys and coral planting, but also highlight the importance of education and advocacy. 

Thank you to: 

Kate Slaughter from Coral Nurture Program

• https://www.coralnurtureprogram.org/ 

Tanya Murphy from the Australian Marine Conservation Society 

• https://www.marineconservation.org.au/ 
• And her podcast, Word on the Reef 
• https://open.spotify.com/show/5HH7mXTHistUgg4loRIqEz

Recorded, written, and edited by James Worsfold and Elysee Lee.