The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world and a must-see destination for many visitors.

However, scientists now warn that the long-term survival of coral reefs is in jeopardy unless global efforts to protect them are intensified (Frieler et al. 2013). Climate change, pollution, and overfishing have become some of the greatest threats to these valuable ecosystems.

While governments, scientists, Traditional Owners, local communities, and conservation organisations are working to protect the Reef and reduce pressures such as land-based runoff, the millions of tourists who visit each year can also play an important role. Visitors have the power to reduce their impact and help protect the Reef while still enjoying its beauty.

So, how can you explore the Great Barrier Reef without leaving a trace?

1. Choose Reef-Friendly Tour Operators

When planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, choose tour operators that are committed to sustainable practices.

Look for operators certified by Ecotourism Australia or recognized as High Standard Tourism operators by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

You can also look out for Master Reef Guides in Far North Queensland, who are highly trained professionals dedicated to sharing accurate reef knowledge and promoting responsible tourism.

These operators and guides:

Follow best-practice environmental guidelines

• Educating visitors about reef protection
• Actively minimize their impact on coral and marine life

By choosing responsible and sustainable tour operators, tourists support conservation-focused businesses and help reduce human impacts on the Reef.

2. Always Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen When Entering Our Waterways

When exploring the Great Barrier Reef and other waterways in Far North Queensland, it is important to choose reef-safe sunscreen. Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been proven to harm corals and marine life.

While sunscreen is essential for protecting human skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, some organic UV filters pose a serious threat to coral reefs. Studies have shown that oxybenzone can promote coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, interfere with coral larvae development, and cause reproductive and developmental harm in other marine organisms such as fish and invertebrates (Journal of Science Policy & Governance, 2024).

Fortunately, safer alternatives are widely available. Reef-safe sunscreens are typically mineral-based and contain non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Visitors can look for reef-safe labels on sunscreen bottles to ensure they are making an environmentally responsible choice.

Alternatively, visitors can minimise sunscreen use by wearing long-sleeved rash vests or protective swimwear.

Most snorkelling and diving operators on the Great Barrier Reef provide stinger suits to protect visitors from jellyfish. These suits also offer excellent full-body sun protection and significantly reduce sunscreen pollution in reef waters.

Did you know? Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have banned non-reef-safe sunscreens to help protect their fragile marine ecosystems.

3. Look, Don’t Touch

Coral may look like rock, but it is actually a living organism made up of tiny animals and algae living together in a symbiotic relationship. This makes coral extremely fragile. Even light contact can cause physical damage or introduce disease.

When snorkeling or diving:

• Avoid standing on or touching coral
• Always be aware of your fins and keep them clear of the reef

In addition to coral, the Great Barrier Reef is home to incredible marine life. While animals such as green sea turtles may appear friendly, they do not like to be touched or chased. Disturbing wildlife can cause stress and disrupt natural behaviour.

When exploring nature, respect the species around you. Slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy your surroundings. You are far more likely to have meaningful wildlife encounters when you observe from a distance and allow animals to behave naturally — after all, even little Nemo does not enjoy being chased!

4. Reduce Pollution from Land to Sea

What happens on land can eventually reach the Great Barrier Reef through rivers and creeks. Visitors can help protect the Reef by disposing of rubbish properly, reducing plastic use, and avoiding soaps, detergents, and personal care products in waterways.

Local communities also play an important role. Fishers are encouraged to keep fishing equipment secure and out of the water when not in use to prevent wildlife entanglement.

Did you know? The Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre regularly treats turtles suffering from injuries and illness caused by plastic ingestion and entanglement. These cases highlight how everyday waste can have serious consequences for marine life.

By remembering the principles of reduce, refuse, and reuse, everyone can help limit pollution and protect the Reef for future generations.

5. Take Photos, Not Souvenirs

Make sure that what belongs on the reef stays on the reef. Shells, coral, and other natural objects should be left where they are. Removing items from the Great Barrier Reef is illegal and can result in fines.

Even small shells play an important role in the ecosystem. On land and in the intertidal zone, shells can become homes for animals such as hermit crabs. Taking them removes shelter and disrupts natural processes.

The best souvenir from the Reef is a memory — or a photo — not something taken from nature.

6. Offset Your Carbon Emissions

Climate change remains the greatest threat to coral reefs worldwide. In the past decade alone, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced repeated mass bleaching events. The 2024 mass coral bleaching event was the fifth on the Reef since 2016 and formed part of a global bleaching event that began in the Northern Hemisphere in 2023 and was formally declared in April 2024 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) (AIMS, 2024).

Visitors can help reduce their contribution to climate change by offsetting their carbon emissions through reputable programs that support local conservation and restoration projects.

But action does not stop at the Reef. Individual choices made anywhere in the world can help protect it. Planting trees, supporting renewable energy, and choosing low-emission transport such as walking or cycling all help reduce the pressures driving coral bleaching. Creating space for nature through rewilding and habitat protection also strengthens ecosystems and supports biodiversity.

By working together, we can safeguard the blue heart of our planet and protect the extraordinary species that depend on it.