Word on the Reef

By Tanya Murphy

Inspiring interviews with marine conservation legends.... more

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FAQs about Word on the Reef:

How many episodes does Word on the Reef have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.

Word on the Reef episodes:

July 12, 2025S2 E19: Modern Day Castaway: A Gruelling 50 Days Alone on the Reef
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Meet Mike Atkinson — former military pilot turned solo adventurer, survival expert, and filmmaker. In one of the boldest voyages ever attempted, Mike hand-carved a dugout canoe and sailed it 1,500 kilometres up the Great Barrier Reef — from Townsville to the Torres Strait — using only traditional, handmade fishing and hunting tools. No engine. No GPS. No esky.

Surviving on stingray, dried kangaroo, and sheer determination, Mike faced crocodiles, storms, and solitude — all in a quest to reconnect with nature and spotlight the urgent need to protect the Reef and honour Indigenous knowledge.

This is more than a survival story — it’s a challenge to all of us to rethink how modern life is pulling us away from what truly matters. What Mike discovered out there will both shock and inspire you.
FOLLOW MIKE
Mike's Website: outbackmike.com
Mike's Insta: instagram.com/outback_mike
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
44min
July 06, 2025S2 E18: Sex Under the Sea: The Weird World of Marine Reproduction
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Welcome to the ocean -- where your genitals are on your face, males give birth, and gender is more of a suggestion than a rule. You can snooze in a bubble of your own vomit or switch sexes overnight without anyone batting a fin. What a world!
This week we’re joined by Mike Scotland - marine biologist, underwater photographer, and editor of DiveLog Magazine. With 50 years of diving, thousands of dives, and two books under his weight belt (Marine Biology in the Wild and Diving With Sharks), Mike’s here to tell us why humans have more in common with flatworms than we’d like to admit -- and how to keep your spines clean if you’re a sea urchin. Dive in!
Thumbnail Image: Gold-speckled flatform (Thysanozoon nigropapillosum)
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
39min
June 28, 2025S2 E17: Trawl Wars: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park vs. The Fishing Industry
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The 1990s was a wild west era for fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. Even after being declared a Marine Park and a World Heritage area, more than 95% of the Great Barrier Reef was still being fished, and things were heading downhill fast. Then came a bombshell report that exposed what was really going on beneath the surface -- and all hell broke loose. What followed was a fierce battle known as the ‘Trawl Wars,' and unfortunately, it did not happen in a galaxy far, far away.

In this episode, we’re joined by legendary conservationist Imogen Zethoven, who was made Officer of the Order of Australia for her groundbreaking campaign to create the largest network of no fishing zones, also known as Green Zones, in the GBR Marine Park. Imogen shares how the fight was won -- and why the battle to protect our oceans is far from over.
Thumbnail Image: Imogen Zethoven in front of a van owned by a Mackay local at a meeting in the early 2000s.
Glossary of Australian Terms for our International Listeners
Prawns = what we call shrimps in Australia!
Tucker = a slang term for food
Canberra = our capital city, where Parliament House is located (we know you've never heard of it)
GBRMPA = Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (also known as the Reef Authority).
CSIRO "Sigh-Row" = Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Australia's national science agency).
AFMA = Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Take Action on Overfishing:
Australian Marine Conservation Society (Fisheries Campaign)
WWF (GBR Campaign)
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Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
45min
June 21, 2025S2 E16: Shark Tracker: The Wild Life of Richard Fitzpatrick
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Ever since he kept a pet shark as a kid, Richard Fitzpatrick has made it his life’s mission to rewrite the story of one of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators. Now an Emmy-winning cinematographer, marine biologist and shark researcher, he’s spent more than 15,000 hours swimming with sharks — filming them, tagging them, and tracking them for science, often using wildly unorthodox (and very hands-on) methods.
In this episode of Word on the Reef, learn how to rope and tame a wild shark, why jokes can come back to bite you in the butt (literally), and why you should always watch your footing when you’re standing on a boat surrounded by sharks.
We bust some myths about shark behaviour, and explore how cutting-edge research is helping protect both humans and these vital apex predators. Whether you’re afraid of sharks, fascinated by them, or a bit of both — this episode is for you.
Learn More
Biopixel Oceans Foundation
www.instagram.com/biopixeloceans
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
49min
June 13, 2025S2 E15: Save the Reef from your Sofa: Citizen Science with Nicole Senn
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Did you know you can help with coral research on the Great Barrier Reef without even leaving your couch? On this week's episode of Word on the Reef, get ready to swipe right on high-value corals as we dive into the incredible world of citizen science.
Our guest is Nicole Senn, Head of Engagement at Citizens of the Reef and passionate ocean advocate, who reveals how everyday people all over the world are helping monitor coral health - no snorkel or flippers required! Nicole shares how the data you analyse on your phone or laptop can make a real-world difference for Reef conservation... And win you a free trip to the real Reef!
Find out how you can become a citizen scientist, contribute to global coral research, and be part of the solution.
Find out More:
www.greatreefcensus.org
www.instagram.com/citizensofthereef
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
45min
June 06, 2025S2 E14: Tree-mendous Impacts: How Forests Help Save Coral Reefs
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Did you know that deforestation up to 1,000 kilometres inland can harm coral reefs and potentially fuel outbreaks of coral-eating starfish? This week we explore one of the lesser-known but critical threats to the Great Barrier Reef: declining water quality due to land clearing.
Our guest this week is Sarah Sims, a conservation and land management expert, dive instructor, and underwater photographer based in Cairns. Sarah's love of the Reef has inspired her to trace water pollution back to its roots: literally. Sarah is the powerhouse behind two not-for-profit reforestation initiatives - TreeForce Cairns and Holloways Beach Coast Care. Sarah helps us unpack the staggering extent of land clearing in Queensland, and what we can all do to reforest our riverbanks and restore the health of our oceans.
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
44min
May 30, 2025S2 E13: Undercover Investigation: The Supermarket Plastics Trashing our Oceans
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Did you know Aussies are among the worst plastic polluters on the planet - second only to Singapore for our use of single-use plastic packaging? Every year, 145,000 tonnes of plastic waste leak into our environment, and most of it comes from our supermarkets.
Many of these plastics are not recyclable, and even when binned “correctly," they escape - blown by wind, swept by rain - ending up in rivers, oceans, and inside marine life. From turtles mistaking bags for jellyfish to seabirds literally crunching from the plastic in their guts, our throwaway culture is devastating wildlife… and it’s coming back to poison us too.
But there are solutions.
This week, we’re joined by Tara Jones, Plastics & Packaging Program Manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, who reveals the shock findings from her supermarket plastics investigation. It's infuriating and eye opening, but it also holds the key to what we can do to stop the plastic tide.
💙 Plus: Find out how to join our Fin Club and receive a personalised video message from your favourite marine animal at the Cairns Aquarium!
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
44min
May 23, 2025S2 E12: Toxic Tide: South Australia's Deadly Algal Bloom Disaster
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In South Australia, a toxic algal bloom has resulted in more than 12,000 marine animals from nearly 450 different species washing up dead on local beaches, turning once-thriving ecosystems into underwater graveyards and leaving locals traumatised... But what's causing this disaster, and what can we do about it?
This week's guest: Stefan Andrews, marine biologist, filmmaker, educator, and Co-Founder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation,
www.greatsouthernreef.com
www.instagram.com/greatsouthernreef
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
58min
May 17, 2025S2 E11: How to Save the Ocean: Taking Meaningful Action on Climate Change
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Climate Change is the biggest threat to coral reefs worldwide, causing unprecedented coral bleaching events. But there are things we can all do to help - and you don't need to be a marine biologist or even live anywhere near the ocean to make a difference! Here's your guide to powerful, practical climate action to help save the Great Barrier Reef - and the best part? You can do it from anywhere!
Joining us this week is marine scientist and climate campaigner Dr Yolanda Waters, founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, to share real, tangible ways to take action — no matter who you are or where you live.
In this episode:
What’s really holding people back from urgent climate action?
Does community action actually work?
Making it personal: how to align your climate action with your passions and skills
The A-B-C of climate action: six categories to remember
Why joining an action group aligned to your interests makes a huge difference
How being a First Nations ally fits into climate justice
What’s more impactful: lifestyle changes, social actions, or civic action?
“If I recycle and use a keep cup, is that enough?”
The role of citizen science, coral surveys, and coral restoration
How to talk about climate change in ways that motivate and inspire
Why we need more storytellers — not more statistics
How to turn your love for the reef into a meaningful career in climate and conservation
Take Action Now:
Sign the Divers For Climate Statement: www.diversforclimate.com
Follow Divers for Climate on Instagram: www.instagram.com/diversforclimate
📸 Thumbnail Image by Darian Woods
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
1h 2min
May 09, 2025S2 E10: Trash Talk: Inside the Marine Debris Crisis on the Great Barrier Reef – and What You Can Do
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This week we head to the remote beaches of the Great Barrier Reef—where plastic pollution is piling up faster than we can clean it. But is picking up rubbish really the solution? Or just the beginning?
Join us as we play trash detective with marine debris expert Heidi Tait, founder of Tangaroa Blue and the Australian Marine Debris Initiative. From her early days as a dive instructor to shaping global plastic policies, Heidi shares her extraordinary story—and the innovative ways she’s turning data into action.
Discover where this plastic really comes from, why even the most isolated coastlines aren’t safe, and how you can be part of the movement to stop pollution before it hits the beach.
Plus, hosts Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban break down what the latest Federal Election means for the future of the Great Barrier Reef.
Support the show
-------
SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become a supporter to connect with Tanya and Brett, get a shout-out on the show, ask us questions and suggest episode topics!
Got questions? Email [email protected]
Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
WWF Australia: Protect Nature
Rising Ti...
...more
42min

FAQs about Word on the Reef:

How many episodes does Word on the Reef have?

The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.