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Why can't you fish in a green zone? It's one of the most common questions the Reef Authority receives, and in this episode of Reef in Focus, we unpack the science behind the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's zoning plan.

Host Lincoln Bertoli is joined by Reef Authority Chief Scientist Dr Roger Beeden aboard the Reef Sentinel to explore why green zones are critical for protecting fish populations, supporting coral health and ensuring the Great Barrier Reef remains productive for future generations.

Discover how green zones create a spillover effect that benefits recreational and commercial fishers, why they improve the Reef's resilience to threats like climate change and Crown-of-thorns Starfish, and why the zoning plan has remained one of the world's leading examples of evidence-based marine park management for more than 20 years.

Whether you're a recreational fisher, boater or simply passionate about the Reef, this episode explains how following the zoning rules helps protect one of the world's greatest natural wonders.

For more information about Reef zoning and to download free maps or the Eye on the Reef app, visit: https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au

In this this episode of Reef in Focus, we’re stepping back in time to the earliest days of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for an episode that’s been 50 years in the making! Special guest Rod Williams, the Reef Authority’s very first employee, served as Executive Officer from 1976 through to 1981. He sat down with host Lincoln Bertoli to reflect on the highlights and challenges of protecting the world’s largest coral reef during a pivotal moment in Australia’s environmental history… initially with no staff, no office, and no boats!

Caring for the Great Barrier Reef is strongest when marine science and Indigenous knowledge work side by side. For 20 years, Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRAs) have shown how Traditional Owners, scientists and managers can come together to respect culture, protect Sea Country and build a healthier future for the Reef. At its heart, this is a story about connection — to place, to people and to the wisdom passed down through generations. In this episode of Reef in Focus, host Lincoln Bertoli speaks with Jade Pryor, a Bandjin and Girramay Traditional Owner and coordinator of the Girringun TUMRA, whose lifelong ties to her community and Country have shaped her work and her identity.

Jade reflects on her early memories of listening to Elders, her first childhood experience on the Reef, and the responsibility she now carries in supporting the six saltwater groups of the Girringun region. She explains how the TUMRA has evolved to include seagrass, dugong, mangrove, fish and blue carbon monitoring, and describes the essential role of Girringun Rangers and Elders in both traditional practices and modern marine management. She also shares the deeply moving experience of returning to her Sea Country with her daughter and seeing healthy coral and marine life through the lens of culture and ancestry.

Jade highlights the importance of respectful collaboration, the strength that comes from combining Indigenous knowledge with contemporary science, and the need for Traditional Owners to have a stronger voice in caring for the Reef.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Bovery-Spencer to explore how tourism is playing a powerful role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Justin explains how responsible travel practices and strong partnerships with operators are making a real difference, showing that visitors aren’t just experiencing the Reef, they’re helping to save it.

Justin shares stories about how tourism supports reef monitoring and research, highlights operators leading conservation efforts, and explains why every visitor’s choices matter for reef health. We also hear how communities and travellers are working together to secure the Reef’s future.

We take a closer look at one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures - the green turtle. Join us as we explore the Great Barrier Reef Green Turtle Research Program’s Foraging Ground Population Monitoring Project. We’ll dive into the challenges sea turtles face, including climate change and habitat loss, and highlight the collaborative efforts between scientists and Traditional Owners to ensure the survival of these ancient marine reptiles for generations to come.

Join us for a conversation with Rob Paxevanos, author of Australian Fishing Basics and host of Fishing Australia, as we dive into what it means to fish smarter, not harder, on the Great Barrier Reef. Rob shares practical, easy-to-use tips for recreational fishers on gear choice, bait, and fishing techniques that help protect the Reef’s delicate ecosystems. We also explore how small changes in behaviour can make a big difference for fish stocks, why knowing your target species matters, and how to enjoy a successful day on the water while leaving the Reef in great shape for future generations.

Since opening in 1987, the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ) has provided millions of people a chance to experience the magic and wonder of the Reef without getting wet. It’s home to the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and has inspired curiosity, learning, and love for the Reef across generations.

After closing to the public for major upgrades, questions have been raised. Will it reopen? Is there funding to finish the job? What does the future hold for this iconic tourism and education facility in Townsville?

In this episode, we speak with Fred Nucifora, the Reef Authority’s General Manager of Major Projects, to get the facts on the redevelopment and the vital role the Aquarium continues to play in Reef education, science, and storytelling.