stewardship starts here
The Great Southern Reef is a national treasure, and its protection is a responsibility shared by all Australians. At the Great Southern Reef Foundation, we encourage and promote stewardship of our temperate reef ecosystems.
There are many ways you can make a tangible difference. Whether you’re a local resident, visitor, scientist, artist, or simply someone who loves the ocean, your actions can contribute to the health and resilience of this unique marine environment. Whether by participating in citizen science projects that track reef health, supporting eco-tourism businesses that prioritise sustainability or supporting artists that are helping to inspire appreciation for the GSR, every effort counts.
support Sustainable Seafood
One impactful way you can contribute to the preservation of the Great Southern Reef is through mindful seafood consumption. We advocate for supporting local seafood operators who practise sustainable fishing. These local businesses are often the stewards of our marine resources, and by choosing them, you're helping to sustain local economies and promote environmentally responsible fishing practices.
A recent study in Australia showed that the quality of seafood labels is important. Seafood vaguely labelled under umbrella terms, such as flake or snapper, had higher rates of mislabelling than species-specific labels, and concealed the sale of threatened or overfished taxa, as well as products with lower nutritional quality, reduced economic value, or potential health risks.
Before making a seafood purchase, we encourage you to check the label and ask questions: Where does this fish come from? Is it a sustainable species? How was it caught? These inquiries can make a significant difference. They not only increase your awareness but also signal to suppliers and retailers that there is a growing demand for sustainably sourced seafood. One good local resource is the GoodFish guide.
Engage with ecotourism
Ecotourism plays an emerging role in the conservation of the Great Southern Reef, offering immersive experiences that foster a deeper connection with our marine environment. Look for tours that share the rich cultural stories of the First Nations people, which provide a unique perspective on the reef, as seen through the eyes of those who have been its custodians for thousands of years.
Whale watching tours are a spectacular way to witness the majesty of the ocean's giants in their natural habitat. Local scuba diving shops offer guided dives that reveal the hidden wonders of the Great Southern Reef. Snorkelling programs, suitable for all ages and skill levels, provide a window into the vibrant marine life of the reef.
participate in Clean Ups
A hands-on way you can contribute to the GSR is participating in clean-up activities. By joining local clean-up efforts, you play a crucial role in not only maintaining the natural beauty of our reef but also collecting valuable data that can help inform policy and make long lasting change.
We strongly encourage you to get involved with local community groups such as Coastcare and Tangaroa Blue cleanups. These clean-ups also provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our coastal ecosystems and what can be done to mitigate them. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, your involvement in these clean-up events is invaluable.
become a Citizen-Scientist
At the Great Southern Reef Foundation, we firmly believe in the power of community involvement in monitoring changes on the GSR and collecting valuable data to help contribute to rigorous scientific research. Citizen science programs offer a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute directly to the understanding and conservation of the Great Southern Reef.
These programs harness the collective effort of volunteers to help provide insights that are crucial for the effective management and protection of our marine ecosystems. The Great Southern Reef Foundation endorses a variety of active citizen science programs, each with its unique focus and method of contribution.
Support Marine Sanctuaries
Marine sanctuaries are essential refuges for biodiversity which provide a baseline to understand changes in the environment and strengthen the resilience of the GSR to overfishing, habitat loss, climate change and other human-induced threats. The science-based expansion and maintenance of sanctuaries, can ensure the continued health and vitality of the Reef, preserving it for future generations.
back Local Artists
The Great Southern Reef Foundation recognises the power of creativity in conveying the beauty and importance of our marine ecosystems. We encourage you to support local artists who dedicate their talents to capturing and interpreting the splendour of the Reef.
These artists, through their paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia works, bring the underwater world to the surface and raise awareness about the urgent need for marine conservation. By purchasing their art, attending exhibitions, or sharing their work, you contribute to a culture that values and preserves our natural heritage. This support nurtures the local artistic community and helps their creative voices continue to inspire action and appreciation for the GSR.
turn knowledge into action
Turning knowledge into action starts with understanding how the Great Southern Reef works and why it matters. The Great Southern Reef Foundation focuses on clear, accessible education that helps people make informed choices about the ocean they care about.
When you learn and share that knowledge, you help shift conversations, attitudes, and decisions in your community. If you are an educator, explore the GSR Educator Hub for locally relevant resources, classroom-ready materials, and a growing network of teachers proudly teaching about the Great Southern Reef.
Spread the Word
Only recognised as an entity in the last decade, The Great Southern Reef is too often out of sight and out of mind. Our challenge is to make the GSR a household name across Australia and this is where you can help. The power of communication and storytelling is immense and you, as a supporter of the Great Southern Reef Foundation, are a key player in this. By sharing your experiences, knowledge, and passion for the Reef, you can ignite a wave of action.
Utilise social media platforms to share stories, photographs, and information about the Reef. Whether it's a breathtaking photo from your last dive, an insightful article, or a simple post about why the Reef matters, your online presence can significantly amplify our collective message. Remember to use the hashtag #greatsouthernreef. Engaging in conversations, both online and in your community, can transform individual interest into a widespread movement for marine conservation.
Personal storytelling, whether through blogs, vlogs, or casual conversations, can be a powerful tool in conveying the urgency and importance of protecting the Great Southern Reef. Each person you reach becomes a potential advocate for our oceans, contributing to a growing community of informed and passionate individuals. Together, through our collective voices and actions, we can ensure the preservation of this incredible marine ecosystem for generations to come.
CONNECT
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reef resilience showcase
Our Reef Resilience Photo & Art competition is live this summer in South Australia. We’re calling on divers, snorkellers, photographers, drone pilots, artists, and coastal travellers to share photos, video, and art showing what’s still thriving across SA’s reefs.
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host a screening
Host a White Rock screening with the Great Southern Reef Foundation. Bring communities together to watch the film, spark conversation and boost local reef engagement.
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GSR FAQ
What is the Great Southern Reef? What is unique about it? and how is climate change affecting it? Find out answers, ask your own question and more.
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PARTNERS
Our partners help bring bold ideas to life. They power collaborations, support impact campaigns, and help share Great Southern Reef stories far and wide.
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EDUCATOR HUB
Looking to deepen your knowledge on the rich biodiversity found in Australia's temperate reefs? This space is designed for you.
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contact us
Reach out with questions, ideas or feedback about reef stories, programs and partnerships.
explore
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MARINE LIFE
Meet the species that live across Australia’s Great Southern Reef. Learn how fish, seaweeds, invertebrates, and marine mammals connect to healthy reef systems.
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WHITE ROCK
With stunning visuals and impactful storytelling, White Rock captures the urgent threat of longspined urchins to the GSR and presents tangible solutions to save them.
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VIDEOS
Check out our short films and clips about temperate reef life, research in action, community work and reef encounters across southern Australia.
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FEATURE CREATORS
Each month we feature a creator from across the Great Southern Reef sharing their connection to the coast through photography, art and storytelling.
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ARTICLES
A deeper look at timely reef topics, stories and insights from science, community voices and coastal experiences.
