CoralWatch

08/09/2026

August 2026 by the numbers!

This month we have a special call to action.. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Reef Watch alert levels have been particularly concerning for the Caribbean, The Marshall and Mariana Islands and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo). Were asking if you are in any of these places to help survey and take pictures of the corals as it can help us understand how those reefs are doing!

Follow NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program to stay up to date with the latest alerts and information!

Citizen scientists across multiple countries got out there and surveyed the reefs in their own backyards. Every data point collected helps us better understand coral health on a global scale and it all starts with people like you.

It’s always inspiring to see so many communities caring for their local reefs, from tropical coastlines to island communities and beyond. 🌊🐠

Want to get involved?
You can request your FREE Coral Health Chart and start surveying today at coralwatch.org

Let’s keep the momentum going!

17/08/2026

July 2026 by the numbers:

Citizen scientists across multiple countries got out there and surveyed the reefs in their own backyards. Every data point collected helps us better understand coral health on a global scale and it all starts with people like you.

It’s always inspiring to see so many communities caring for their local reefs, from tropical coastlines to island communities and beyond. 🌊🐠

Want to get involved?
You can request your FREE Coral Health Chart and start surveying today at coralwatch.org

Let’s keep the momentum going!

We would love to especially thank Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers for being our biggest contributors for the second month in a row, and we truly appreciate all of the work that you do for our beautiful planet, for the corals and animal conservation work that your volunteers actively contribute to!

13/08/2026

Help CoralWatch design new curriculum resources

CoralWatch is keen to co-design some curriculum linked classroom resources for our 'What Can I Do?' interactive climate action program.

We are looking for teachers who can:
• suggest and write classroom activities
• identify Australian Curriculum links
• recommend and write assessment tasks
• pilot lessons with students
• provide feedback on student engagement and learning.
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is essential.

If you are interested please complete the application form from our webpage https://coralwatch.org/education-2/curriculum-materials and email the completed form by 31 August 2026 to [email protected]

To view the What Can I Do platform
https://actionplan.coralwatch.org/
To download the application form
https://coralwatch.org/education-2/curriculum-materials

Marine Teachers Association of Queensland Science Teachers' Association of Queensland UQ Science UQ Centre for Marine Science

05/08/2026

It was a privilege and an honour to represent the CoralWatch community at the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) in Auckland, New Zealand.

With more than 2,100 delegates from 90+ countries, ICRS is one of the largest and most important gatherings in the marine science calendar, bringing together researchers, practitioners, managers and advocates dedicated to the future of coral reefs.

It was fantastic to connect with so many passionate people working to conserve reefs around the world. We were proud to share insights from 24 years of CoralWatch monitoring, highlighting the power of citizen science to build long-term reef health datasets. We also showcased our What Can I Do? project, which empowers individuals and communities to take meaningful action for coral reefs.

One of the highlights of the symposium was seeing the Coral Health Chart being applied in so many different contexts and locations around the world. From laboratory experiments in Germany, to reef monitoring in Brazil, and restoration projects in Guam and across the Caribbean, it was inspiring to see how a simple, accessible tool continues to support coral reef science, conservation and restoration globally.

While reefs are facing an increasingly uncertain future under the pressures of climate change and other human impacts, the passion, collaboration and innovation on display throughout the symposium gave us hope. By working together, sharing knowledge and engaging communities, we can continue to make a difference for coral reefs worldwide.

A huge thank you to the organisers, presenters and everyone who stopped by to chat with us. We leave inspired and motivated to keep supporting the people and communities working to understand, protect and restore coral reefs around the world.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

Join the CoralWatch team at The University of Queensland!

We're seeking a Project Officer to join CoralWatch, an internationally recognised citizen science program supporting coral reef monitoring, education and community engagement across Australia and around the world.

Working closely with the CoralWatch team, you'll coordinate projects and events, engage with stakeholders, manage program activities, and help deliver initiatives that connect research with schools, communities, industry and government partners.

We're looking for someone with:
🪸 Experience conducting marine or environmental fieldwork.
🪸 Knowledge of coral reef ecosystems and marine conservation principles.
🪸 Experience delivering environmental education or community engagement programs.
🪸 Demonstrated project coordination and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
🪸 Excellent oral, written and stakeholder engagement communication skills.

This is an opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment while contributing to a program making a tangible difference to coral reef conservation and environmental education.

For more information or to apply, see https://uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/uqcareers/details/CoralWatch-Project-Officer_R-67379?q=coralwatch

07/07/2026

Fifty shades of coral? Not quite... but those colours tell an incredible story. This week we’re diving into Coral Watch, the world’s longest-running DIY reef science project. Discover how anyone with a mask, a colour chart and a love of coral can help scientists monitor reef health. Diana Kleine from the University of Queensland (pictured in the episode thumbnail image) joins us to prove that citizen science is anything but black and white. She also shares insights on the ‘What Can I Do’ project, revealing surprising data about how people engage with climate action in their everyday lives.

This episode is now available on all podcast platforms including:

Word on the Reef Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2311255/episodes/19443571

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UKPohWVb0tO7R3C518JJA?si=9ebe2cd903c44fb0

01/07/2026

Outback To Ocean 2026 Wrapped!

Over the past 9 days, our CoralWatch team travelled more than 906 km, bringing ocean education to communities across regional Queensland.

✨ Tour highlights:
📍 10 events across 7 locations
📚 6 library boxes delivered
👥 Over 550 people engaged through hands-on activities, stories, and marine science experiences.

A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us along the way and helped make this tour such a success. We loved connecting with you over our shared love for Queenslands unique environments and we hope we have sparked a lifelong curiosity and love for the reef!

Special thanks to our wonderful partners: Country Universities Centre, Capricorn Conservation Council, Country Women’s Association, Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation, and Livingstone Shire Council.

The Outback to Ocean program is Proudly supported by the Queensland Government - Engaging Science Grants

The road may have come to an end, but the inspiration for our oceans is only just beginning. 💙🌊

16/06/2026

Part 2 – Outback to Ocean trip: Rockhampton, Woorabinda and Woppa

After all our successful events in Longreach, Winton, Ilfracombe and Barcaldine, Diana hopped on the bus to Rockhampton to meet with the next CoralWatch team including local Ambassadors, ready to deliver events in Woorabinda, Rockhampton and Woppa.

On Thursday we drove out to Woorabinda, an Indigenous school. We delivered two workshops, the children loved the Virtual Reality and all the coral reef learning activities, which turned out to be great preparation for their fieldtrip later in the year to North Keppel Island.

On Friday we were on stage at the Rockhampton Agricultural Show together with Capricorn Conservation Council. We educated over 200 primary school kids about coral and the importance of reefs in 2 sessions. Students got the opportunity to learn about citizen science, and created action posters to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Our final day of our Outback trip was at the Ocean, at Woppa. Unfortunately due to weather we had to cancel our snorkel event, but we had a wonderful day of learning, sharing and connecting on Woppaburra Land and Sea Country. A huge thank you to Woppaburra Traditional Custodians and Elders for generously sharing cultural knowledge, stories and perspectives on caring for our reefs and marine environment. Special thanks to Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation Woppaburra Saltwater Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Capricorn Conservation Council Keppel Dive & Snorkel Livingstone Shire Council and everyone coming to be part of this wonderful event.

In total: CoralWatch Outback to Ocean trip delivered 11 events in 9 days in 8 locations, with the help of 9 Ambassadors, 3 CoralWatch staff members and visiting scientist Professor Gregg Webb. Total outreach > 555 people. In addition, end of May we had a display at World Science Festival in Toowoomba with over 2000 visitors. What an experience and privilege to talk to so many people about what we love and care for.

The CoralWatch Outback to Ocean tour is proudly supported by a Queensland Engaging Science Grant.

Queensland Environment The University of Queensland UQ Centre for Marine Science

12/06/2026

Thanks Elijah’s World for all your help, we couldn’t have done our biggest workshop ever - with 145 kids - without you