Reconnecting with the birthplace of reef stewardship
Why is Ellison Reef important?
Ellison Reef was the site of a pivotal 1967 court battle where local action groups led by John Busst successfully prevented a mining lease, establishing an important precedent for reef protection against mining interests.
Read the book John Büsst Bohemian artist and saviour of reef and rainforest
Where is Ellison Reef?
It is 20nm East of Cowley Beach
What is the project Reconnecting with the birthplace of Reef Stewardship
The Australian Government has announced $4.3 million in grants through the Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science Program. Managing the Reef is a big, complex job. Enabling citizen scientists and other partners to take action and provide support is vital. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/funding-announced-reef-citizen-scientist-projects
Reef Ecologic, a Townsville based marine consultancy, were awarded $213,975 for a project Celebrating 60 years of reef citizen science. The project compares historical and current methods and approaches and involves the community from throughout the GBR. This project aims to share knowledge, empower communities to lead, survey, monitor, and evaluate changes, thereby informing Reef management decisions.
How to get involved?
Reef Ecologic team and 15 amazing volunteers had a wonderful expedition to Ellison Reef, off the coast of Mission Beach.
Everyone had the opportunity to learn a new skill with various citizen science techniques ranging fromusing iNaturalist, CoralWatch, Citizens of the Reef, Reef Health Impact Surveys (RHIS), and sand colletion to test for micro-molluscs (collected under research permit).
One of the output of the recent activity is the iNaturalist poster and project for Ellison Reef.
Project Updates:
August 16-17, 2025: A small team of citizen scientists, Mandubarra seacountry traditional owns and rangers and community travelled to Ellison Reef to collect some data using citizen science techniques including iNaturalist and eDNA.
September 20-21, 2025: A team of 11-17 citizen scientists joined a two-day expedition to Ellison Reef to collect information on fish, corals, molluscs and more. We used a number of citizen science tools including iNaturalist, CoraWatch, Citizens of the reef census, Reef Health Impact Survey, RedMap, sand collection for micromolluscs (GBRMPA Research Permit approved) and eDNA. We travelled with Mission beach Dive to four sites of the reef (N,E,W,S).
November 2-10, 2025: A team of 4- 35 citizen scientists, traditional owners, artists and local businesses joined a nine-day expedition to Ellison Reef to collect information on fish, corals, molluscs and more. We used a number of citizen science tools including iNaturalist, CoraWatch, manta tow, Citizens of the reef census, Reef Health Impact Survey, RedMap, eDNA and underwater glider.
November 7, 2025: We facilitated a Reefs of Hope conference at Ninney Rise.
December 30, 2025: We have reviewed workshop comments from the Reefs of Hope conference and updated two draft documents:
Reef statement from the Birthplace of conservation, and;
Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan 2021–2025.
Upcoming events
26-29 September 2026- Potential field days
9-11 October 2026- Potential field days
6-7 November 2026- proposed media event associated with naming John Busst Reef
Volunteer - Express your interest to volunteer in collecting scientific and citizen science data and be part of this big event. Click here to volunteer.
Sponsor - Show your support by sponsoring events and activities such as field surveys and training. Click here to support.
Get trained - The event will have opportunities to get trained in field survey techniques and citizen science methods.
Carbon Offset - The event will be a carbon neutral expedition and all carbon emissions will be offset with Reforest Australia.
Contact us to learn more on how to donate, sponsor, or be part of the event. You can check out our socials for more updates.
Reef Ecologic Pty Ltd
14 Cleveland Terrace
Townsville QLD 4810
e: adam.smith@reefecologic.org
p: 0418 726 584
ABN 66 601 301 099
ACN 601 301 099