Our Coast to Coral Community talk series is back for 2020! Join Reef Check Australia and friends on the second Tuesday night of each month at Sea Life, Mooloolaba, for an evening of discovery, inspiration and appreciation of our local marine, coastal and catchment environments.

This month we will hear from Dr. Chris Roelfsema from the University of Queensland.

Chris is a scientist and lecturer at the University of Queensland, since 1998. His research focuses on integrating field and remote sensing satellite or airborne imagery to study coral reef and seagrass environments. He has knowledge and skills in marine biology; identification of coral, seagrass, algae and inverts and various marine surveying methods; and developed techniques for gathering georeferenced photos of bottom types.

Chris' research has involved mapping or monitoring rocky reefs, seagrass and coral reefs in: Australia and the Asia Pacific region . His qualifications include: BsC hydrographic surveying, MsC Geodetic Engineer, PgDip Marine Science and a PhD in coral reef remote sensing. As an active diver since 1981, he has trained people in various marine surveying methods, organised volunteer based marine monitoring projects, is an active supporter of Reef Check and CoralWatch, and is a Reef Check trainer, since 2010.

About the Talk: Mapping Coral Reefs; from our backyard reefs to reefs globally.

Reef conservation requires consistent habitat maps, however there is no single map, created consistently, describing geomorphic zonation (e.g. slope, flat, crest) or bottom composition (e.g. coral, algae, sand) over the full extent of the world’s coral reefs.

Chris will run us through different field expeditions and field methods, citizen science involvement and maps created globally to help conserve the beautiful coral reefs. He’ll also chat to us about how the efforts of local citizen science groups, UniDive and Reef Check Australia, mapped some of our beautiful backyard reefs!

The talk will be held in the Seal Stadium at SEALIFE Mooloolaba. Doors open at 6:15 pm for a 6:30 pm start. Stay after the event for a discussion with the presenter and other attendees and enjoy a pizza-rific snack.

6:15: Grab a seat
6:30: Talk kicks-off
7:15: Pizza & good sea-minded conversation!

This initiative is hosted by Reef Check Australia, and proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council's Environment Levy partnerships grant and the June Canavan Foundation with amazing in-kind support from SEALIFE Sunshine Coast.

Thanks also to these awesome local businesses supporting these events with giveaway sustainable goodies, Onya, Bokashi Ninja, Surfing Green, Seastraws, Ever Eco, Boomerang Bags.

For more information email [email protected] or check out our Facebook event page.