Being a BleachWatch Observer

BleachWatch is an opportunity for everyone to help the GBRMPA understand the effects of coral bleaching, and the implications of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef.

BleachWatch is built on a network of regular reef users (including tourism professionals, researchers and fishers) who voluntarily monitor and report on conditions at reefs that they visit regularly. Participants from Port Douglas in the north to Lady Elliot in the south have been enlisted to provide regular reports on the appearance and health of the sites they visit during summer.

Since 2002, the number of participants and the geographic coverage of BleachWatch has continued to grow, with 88 observers signed up to participate during the 2005/2006 summer. BleachWatch assists managers to collect data across a wide spatial distribution and is also used to communicate and increase the understanding of broader climate change impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

How to join BleachWatch

Bleached anemone and anemone fish

Whether you are a recreational or commercial fisherman, a tourism operator, researcher or student, you can help us to learn more about when and where bleaching occurs on the Great Barrier Reef by keeping an eye out for signs of coral bleaching when visiting the reef.

Anyone can be involved in BleachWatch and for information on how to participate, please email bleachwatch@gbrmpa.gov.au or contact the BleachWatch Coordinator on (07) 4750 0700.