7 October 2009

A passionate and well respected coral reef researcher has been recognised for her many contributions to the field, with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) today announcing a reef named in her honour.

Vicki Harriott's immense contribution to coral reef research is formally recognised with a previously unnamed Reef in the Cairns/Cooktown area (Reef No 15-070) now bearing her name.

GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said Vicki Harriott, who passed away in March 2005, made a vast contribution to our understanding of coral reefs.

"Vicki's career spanned over 25 years and she was highly regarded among her peers for the diversity of contributions she made in a range of roles," he said.

"She is remembered as a strong advocate whose work in coral reef research, education and management was internationally recognised and widely respected.

"Through her rich and varied career there where a number of highlights including establishing Townsville's Reef HQ coral reef exhibit, the largest coral reef tank in the world at its time.

"Vicki was a pioneer in the field of coral reef research and published one of the first papers on bleaching of Great Barrier Reef corals.

"Her career took her to many places along the east coast of Australia and with her colleagues and students she developed a body of information about temperate reefs which represents one of her most important contributions to coral reef science."

"It is a fitting tribute to a passionate and focussed reef researcher," he said.

"She was a particularly vibrant person whose dedication to her family, students and her work was inspiring."

Vicki Harriott Reef is located in the Cairns/Cooktown Management Area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – it is Reef No 15-070 located at Lat 15.503°S Long 145.618°E

The reef was officially named after an assessment under a formal process and principles for reef naming. The submission was assessed by the GBRPMA, the Royal Australian Navy – Australian Hydrographic Office, and the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management.

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