Coral reefs are among the most extraordinary ecosystems on our planet, supporting nearly a quarter of all marine life despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor. In this episode, we dive deep into the wonders and challenges of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers and visible even from outer space. Our guest, Carolyn Trewin, Senior Program Manager at the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, shares her journey into marine conservation and the critical work being done to protect and restore these fragile coral ecosystems.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 600 types of corals and more than 1,600 species of fish, making it a global center of coral reef biodiversity and marine biodiversity. It provides food, coastal protection, and livelihoods for millions, while also serving as a powerful natural carbon sink through its seagrasses, mangroves, and wetlands—key players in storing "blue carbon" and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Yet this vital ecosystem faces unprecedented threats from rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, unsustainable fishing, pollution, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish.

Carolyn explains how the Great Barrier Reef Foundation was founded in response to the first mass coral bleaching event in 1998 and how it has since grown into one of the leading organizations dedicated to coral reef conservation, marine conservation, and biodiversity protection. She highlights pioneering initiatives such as coral IVF, cryopreservation of coral species, and large-scale reef restoration projects aimed at deploying millions of heat-tolerant corals by 2030. These efforts represent cutting-edge science combined with the stewardship of Australia’s First Nations people, who have cared for sea country for over 60,000 years.

The episode also explores broader global challenges—the biodiversity crisis, environmental degradation, and the worsening climate crisis—and how coral reef protection is central to achieving sustainable oceans and long-term biodiversity conservation. From restoring seagrass meadows and turtle nesting habitats to building resilience against extreme weather events like El Niño, the strategies discussed provide hope for the future of coral reefs worldwide.

Listeners will also hear inspiring stories of Carolyn’s experiences working on reef islands such as Lady Elliot and Heron Island, witnessing turtle hatchlings, and collaborating with conservation partners in regions like Belize. Her reflections remind us why the fight for coral reefs matters—not just for marine species but for human communities and the health of the entire planet.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand why coral reef protection is one of the most urgent priorities of our time and how innovative science, traditional knowledge, and global cooperation can come together to safeguard these ecosystems. Supporting coral reef conservation is not just about saving the Great Barrier Reef—it’s about securing the future of ocean biodiversity and ensuring that future generations inherit thriving, resilient seas.

Tune in to discover how you can be part of the movement to protect coral reefs, fight climate change, and preserve the oceans for generations to come.

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