Leading Reef Operator Sunlover Reef Cruises Calls on Industry and Visitors to Tropical North Queensland to Share Their Experiences of the Great Barrier Reef with the World

In a response to the recent reports of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, Sunlover Reef Cruises joined with Calypso Reef Imagery to record firsthand the views and experiences being had this month by visitors to the companies pontoon at Moore Reef, 25 nautical miles off Cairns.

The short video which features guests from all over the world sharing their thoughts and impressions of the reef together with footage taken on the 12th April has been shared with industry colleagues, tourism bodies as well as a growing social media audience who are tuning into this issue, with great concern for the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

View film here

As evidenced by cameraman, Stuart Ireland from Calypso Reef Imagery – himself a Marine Biologist and underwater photographer with over 30 years' experience, as well as those guests that were interviewed, Moore Reef; the reef system to which Sunlover operate daily is still as healthy and as vibrant as it has ever been.

Mr Ireland said, “I was pleased to hear from Sunlover's Marina Biologist, Pablo Coggolos that affected areas are now in a stage of recovery with water temperatures now seasonally dropping. The expected recovery seems to be progressing well. In the many years that I have lived and worked with the Great Barrier Reef, I have always been impressed by its ability to regenerate and recovered from these bleaching episodes which have occurred in the past.”

Martina Neidig, Group Sales and Marketing Manager for Sunlover Reef Cruises said, “Our team plan to back up this content with regular video's and images via social media, to ensure both industry and visitors understand that our section of the Great Barrier Reef is alive and well.” She also said “it's important our visitors keep coming, experience how beautiful it is, and ensure the reef remains is very much on everyone's bucket list”.

Sunlover Reef Cruises is a Green Travel Leader in the Australian tourism industry, having held Ecotourism Certification for 10 years now. As such Sunlover has for many years played an active role in the Crown of Thorns Starfish watch and Coral recovery Programs. Our operations department oversees the dive team and qualified Marine Biologists who have the responsibility of carrying out a coral health survey.

The maintenance program also covers research of coral diseases and corals damaged by rough sea conditions, mostly seen during strong Northerly winds or Cyclones.

Sunlover Reef Cruises is dedicated to the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage Listed natural wonder by embracing best environmental practices.

Tourism is great for the Reef because it provides an opportunity to educate people about its

World Heritage values so they support its conservation and care. Sunlover Reef Cruises also works very closely with the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in Cairns and on Fitzroy Island.

Julie Duncan, Group General Manager said, “our reef team strive to educate all guests on the importance of preserving the Great Barrier Reef and its inhabitants. We advise guests of key ways that they can contribute to the Great Barrier Reef's protection and preservation.