Students at the Tannum Sands State High School will receive $500 to further enhance their efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's (GBRMPA) Ripples of Change grants program.

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Director Karen Vohland said the grant would allow students to continue and expand on their environmental work.

"Twenty $500 grants are awarded by the GBRMPA each year to assist Reef Guardian Schools to undertake small environmental projects within their schools," she said.

"The schools nominate a project they would like to initiate and present a project plan to the GBRMPA.  

"This school has been actively involved in the Reef Guardian Schools program and the students have been recognised for their renewable energy and conservation projects.

"This funding will contribute to the maintenance of the school's aquaponics shade house and cover the cost of new equipment."

The selected schools receive their grants early in the year to allow them time to implement their projects within the school year cycle.

Reef Guardian Schools is an environmental education program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The program aims to create awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and its connected ecosystems.