South-East Queensland

We’ve been conducting citizen science activities in South East Queensland (SEQ) for over 10 years. The project was established in 2007 to monitor subtropical reef sites between the Gold Coast, Brisbane area and the Sunshine Coast.

South East Queensland (SEQ) is a transitional area where tropical, sub-tropical and temperate species all exist within the same habitat area. With pressures from a rapidly growing population, sedimentation from catchments, coastal development and climate change, this transitional area is gaining recognition as an important area to study and protect.

Through their reef monitoring activities, our  volunteer citizen scientists provide invaluable information where there is currently a serious gap in the data; many of the sites Reef Check visits annually do not have regular long-term monitoring programs. Reef Check monitors more than 20 locations across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay/Quandamooka and the Gold Coast.

You might be surprised about the amazing coral communities than can be found along the SEQ coast.

Regional Updates

SEQ Summary Report Released!

November 05, 2019
  Reef Check Australia's South East Queensland Season Summary Report for 2018-2019 has been released.   During the survey season, trained volunteers conducted 57 surveys on 37 sites at 27 reefs from Noosa to the Gold Coast.        Gold Coast Coordinator Jaime Kruusmaa will be presenting the report findings at the Coast to Coral event on the Gold Coast on 13 November. Everyone is welcome to come along as Jaime shares some of the report highlights, discusses the efforts that RCA SEQ citizen scientists have made in collecting reef health data along the Gold Coast and wider SEQ region, shares findings about the amazing, yet little known reef structures found at our front doorstep, and explains some of the ways that everyone can get involved in better understanding and protecting their local reef resources.     Photo Credit - Ava Choi     If you can't make it along to the Cold Coast - you can read the full report online. 
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Free Documentary Screening - BLUE - Get The Lowdown!

August 10, 2019
  Reef Check Australia was proud to be part of the Plastic Free July initiative for 2019 by hosting a free movie screening of the critically acclaimed documentary “Blue” in the EPSON Lumen Room at Metro Arts in Brisbane.         The documentary highlighted how significant of an impact single use plastic has on the world we live in. Single use plastic is one of the most pressing issues facing our marine environments today. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. There’s over 11 BILLION pieces of plastic debris on coral reefs in the Asia-Pacific region alone. It has devastating effects on our environment, wildlife and even our food chain!       This movie was perfect for Plastic Free July. Whilst highlighting the shocking effects single use plastic has on life as we know it, it also shared the important message that it is not too late to make positive changes for healthier oceans and wildlife. Every one of us can make a difference. Whether it's choosing to say no to single use plastic, deciding to replace, reuse or recycle, or simply picking up rubbish or debris next time we go for a walk at the park or beach.       A special mention to the lovely team at The Source Bulk Foods Store at Bulimba for donating the corn kernels that were popped fresh on the day for the audience to munch on! Pat and her daughter Abby own this beautiful store that has an array of foods and ingredients that you can purchase all SINGLE USE PLASTIC FREE! This event was proudly supported by Queensland Government Community Sustainability Action Grant.
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