Presenting to the Master Reef Guides at the 2022 Master Class at Fitzroy Island, the newly released Be a Marine Biologist for a Day. Evening introduction training on Monday 7 March.

On water day training and tips and tricks for MRGs at Moore Reef on Tuesday 8 March. Snorkel off Marine World Pontoon.

This year, a Mega Masterclass took place on the traditional estate of the Gunggandji people – Fitzroy Island (Koba). The Gunggandji Elders, Loreman and Rangers blessed the MRG’s with a Welcome and smoking ceremony which set the tone for the week.Each year, Master Reef Guides from across the Reef join together in a community of best practice, the Masterclass. This is an opportunity to come together and learn from each other and from experts in the field. They go through real life scenarios and face-to-face training to support, teach, share and evolve into stronger guides.

This year, a Mega Masterclass took place on the traditional estate of the Gunggandji people – Fitzroy Island (Koba). The Gunggandji Elders, Loreman and Rangers blessed the Master Reef Guides (MRG’s) with a Welcome and smoking ceremony which set the tone for the week.

The week’s itinerary was jam packed and diverse including presentations from a range of experts.

The Indigenous Compliance Team paired with the Gunggandji Rangers to present on the importance of ‘Protecting your Patch’.

The group had the opportunity to interact first hand with Marine Wildlife Stranding training by visiting the Turtle Hospital on Fitzroy Island and working with lead turtle researcher, Dr Ian Bell and Cairns Turtle Rehab Centre Jennie Gilbert, Paul Groves also played the role of key trainer.

The INLOC berthed off the coast of Fitzroy with guides taking a tour of the vessel experiencing exactly what Crown-of-Thorns control involves. David Williamson presented on the ins and outs of the Reef Authority’s COTS program and how the guides can help.

Terry Carmichael from the Wet Tropics Management Authority, provided a valuable insight into Islands and their terrestrial ecology. The passion and enthusiasm that he has for these ecosystems was contagious. An important reminder that not all of the world heritage area is found below the surface.

I took our Master Reef Guides back in time with some school group role playing by showcasing the ‘Be a Marine Biologist for a Day’ program. This program was designed to add another string to our High Standard Tourism Operators bow, by providing tailored curriculum based resources that operators can use with visiting school groups.

You can follow the amazing work of the Master Reef Guides through their facebook page.