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 Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

The Great Southern Reef is an 8,000-kilometre stretch of temperate rocky reefs and kelp forests that hugs the southern coastline of Australia from Sydney to Perth. It’s home to incredible marine life like leafy sea dragons, giant cuttlefish, octopuses , and playful seals. It’s a $11.56 billion cornerstone of local economies and part of our way of life for millions of Aussies. But it’s also under serious threat. Join us as we chat with Stefan Andrews , marine biologist, filmmaker, educator, and Co-Founder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation , who walks us through the rich biodiversity of this unsung natural wonder—and the climate challenges it now faces. From marine heatwaves and toxic algal blooms to kelp die-offs and urchin outbreaks , we uncover the alarming changes unfolding beneath the waves. But it’s not all doom and gloom - there’s hope, and action we can take. This episode will open your eyes to a whole new world. Learn More www.greatsouthernreef.com www.instagram.com/greatsouthernreef Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

Climate Change is the biggest threat to coral reefs worldwide, causing unprecedented coral bleaching events. But here's the good news: individuals can take powerful, practical climate action to help save the Great Barrier Reef — and some of the soltuions might surprise you! 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 Political lobbying 101 (it’s easier than you think!) 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 Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

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 Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

Brett Wright has spent the past 30 years taking visitors to the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas with his tour company Windswell Adventures—and he's seen the changes up close. From worsening coral bleaching to the devastation of extreme weather events, climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a reality affecting his livelihood and the Reef he loves. Brett shares a heartfelt call for stronger climate leadership, while reminding us that the Reef is still alive, breathtaking, and worth fighting for. Also in this episode: How do we talk to others about climate change in a way that inspires, not alienates? Zef Aster, Outreach Campaigner and long-time volunteer with the Australian Marine Conservation Society , shares practical tips for starting meaningful conversations and creating real community impact. Join diver and conservationist Tanya Murphy and marine educator Brett Goodban as we explore marine science on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond! Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

In this special Election Edition of Word on the Reef , Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban dive into one of the most critical questions facing Australians ahead of the Federal Election: Who has the best plan to save the Great Barrier Reef? To find out, we’re joined by Maria Poulos Conklin , Head of Government Relations at the Australian Conservation Foundation, who breaks down ACF's powerful Election Scorecard, comparing how each major party stacks up on climate and environmental policies... and let's just say it's a little confronting! PLUS, all the major political candidates for the Far North Queensland electorate of Leichhardt have been invited to share their Reef protection policies with us. Today we're joined by Dr Phillip Musumeci , Greens candidate for Leichhardt, to talk about tube worms, space lasers and why sheep are big fans of solar energy. 🐑 If you care about the Reef and having a safe climate, this episode is a must-listen before you head to the polls. 🎧 Listen now and share with a mate who's still deciding their vote. 🌐 Scorecard link: www.acf.org.au/scorecard Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

The federal election is just two weeks away — and it turns out some politicians are still floundering when it comes to climate change. While the Reef suffers, some parties are busy serving up red herrings instead of real solutions. This week Tanya Murphy and Brett Goodban dive into the national emergency that should be making front-page news: the GBR's sixth mass coral bleaching in nine years. That’s right — the Reef’s in hot water, and some leaders are still dodging the science like slippery eels. We’re joined by special guest Simon Miller from the Australian Marine Conservation Society to unpack the science, the politics, and the solutions. If you care about the Reef, this is the election to vote like it. For more information on how you can help, visit www.fightforourreef.org.au Also in this episode: 🐡 Brett shares what the fish think of your vote (and Big Chang the fish throws some serious side-eye.) 🗳️ Which parties are promising action, and which want to scrap climate targets altogether 🚒 And why this election might be our last real chance to save the Reef 📸 Photo by Angelina Pilarinos Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

This week, our guest is West Australian coral ecologist Associate Professor Zoe Richards , who's had some extraordinary adventures—diving with crocodiles, discovering new coral species and surveying nuclear bomb sites! We'll journey to Micronesia to uncover an ancient civilisation that built mysterious structures from coral, and to Ningaloo, the world’s largest fringing reef, now sadly in the grips of a mass bleaching event. From emus on the beach to seals frolicking with corals, this is both a love letter to WA’s reefs and a powerful wake-up call for their protection. 📸 Sea Lion on acropora coral at the Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia, Photo by David Juszkiewicz Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

This week we're heading back to spectacular Lizard Island to uncover what’s changed since last year’s record-breaking coral bleaching event. New research station co-director Dr David Abrego takes us a vivid tour of this world-renowned reef science hub and shares the sobering reality of back-to-back bleaching events that are pushing corals to the brink. From flying over glittering turquoise waters to diving deep into marine heatwaves, coral adaptation, and reef restoration, this episode is a rollercoaster of awe, hope, and heartbreak. Discover why Lizard Island has been visited by the likes of David Attenborough and former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, how it inspired world heritage protection, and why what happens there could determine the fate of reefs everywhere. Highlights include: The stunning geography and biodiversity of Lizard Island The science behind coral bleaching and why it’s now annual Hopeful insights into coral resilience and adaptation research What each of us can do—right now—to help protect the reef How solar-powered science and climate action are lighting the path forward This is more than just a reef update—it’s a call to action. Because if we protect the reef, we protect ourselves. Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

This week, we dive deep into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef’s current coral bleaching crisis with marine social scientist and CEO of Divers for Climate, Dr. Yolanda Waters. 🔬 What’s causing this widespread bleaching event? 🌍 How does reef tourism play a crucial role in protecting our oceans? 🤿 What can divers, snorkelers, and everyday citizens do to take action? Join us as we explore Yolanda’s groundbreaking research on how climate conversations in tourism can inspire real change. From the power of education on the reef to the actions we can take beyond the water, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and a call to action for everyone who loves the ocean. Don’t miss this essential conversation. Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

This week, conservationist, photographer and filmmaker Christian Miller takes us on an unforgettable journey — from swimming alongside the planet’s largest animal, to eavesdropping on a humpback whale krill hunt. Along the way, we’ll dodge jaguars and flesh-eating ants in the Amazon, and learn why you can’t hide anything from a whale (spoiler: they can literally see through you). Strap in — it’s a wild ride. It's our third week broadcasting the show live on CairnsFM 89.1 and it's a cracker! Catch us live every Friday at cairnsfm891.org.au for your weekly deep dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

This week, marine biologist and underwater photographer Lawrence Scheele takes us beneath the surface at Magnetic Island for a wild and wonderful tour of its marine life. Discover how jellyfish can detect and dodge humans (despite having no brains), why attempting sign language with a cuttlefish is a big mistake, and how to spot the telltale signs that an octopus might be living in your neighbourhood (spoiler: they are messy!) It's our second week broadcasting the show live on CairnsFM 89.1 and it's a cracker! Catch us live every Friday at cairnsfm891.org.au for your weekly deep dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

Word on the Reef is back — and now broadcasting live on CairnsFM 89.1 every Friday at 10am (Queensland Time)! Tune in on your radio or stream online at cairnsfm891.org.au for your weekly deep dive into marine science on the Great Barrier ReEef and beyond! In our Season Two premiere, host Tanya Murphy opens up about how the underwater world transformed her life — and we welcome a brand new co-host, Brett Goodban . Brett had racked up over 16,000 dives and was living his dream life as an underwater photographer on the Reef when heartbreak struck. Literally. A massive heart attack at the age of just 43 left him in a coma for seven weeks. Nobody thought he would wake up. But when he did, doctors told him the unthinkable: you can never dive again . Stripped of his identity and purpose, Brett spiralled into darkness — until the ocean called him back in a surprising and powerful way. This is a moving story about loss, resilience, and finding hope where you least expect it. Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

Today we're continuing our countdown of the Top 8 Fantastic Beasts of the Great Barrier Reef and Where to Find Them, with Master Reef Guide Tahn Miller. You won't believe some of the encounters he's had with today's animals! Follow Tahn on Instagram Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…

The Great Barrier Reef has just experienced its worst summer on record, with cyclones, severe rainfall, flooding, and its most extreme coral bleaching event ever. The World Heritage Committee has expressed concerns that the Australian Government isn't doing enough to protect the Reef, particularly regarding its climate policies, and advised the Reef may face a possible 'In Danger' listing. To explain what that means and what we need to do about it, our guest this week is Reef and World Heritage Expert Dr Jon Day. Support the show Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.org Sign the Petition , asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Support Word on the Reef on Patreon Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram If you'd like to ask a question, be a guest on the podcast or suggest a topic, contact: info@wordonthereef.org…