Use the Sightings Network to send your photographs, video recordings and observations to the GBRMPA!.

As part of the overarching Eye on the Reef Program, the Sightings Network captures the interesting, unusual and amazing experiences that people have on the Great Barrier Reef. We welcome sightings from within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, as well as adjacent areas, such as the Coral Sea, Gulf of Carpentaria and southern Queensland region.

GBRMPA and the Queensland Government partnered to establish the Sightings Network in collaboration with the tourism industry in 2007. Since then, Reef users have used the network to record thousands of sightings of interesting marine animals and events. Sightings have included humpback whales, dwarf minke whales, dugongs, dolphins, whale sharks, tiger sharks, green sea turtles, and many more creatures.

As well as using the Network to record interesting sightings, you can use it to report reef health impacts such as coral bleaching and damage, marine incidents such as oil spilss and chemical pollution, or strandings of marine animals.

If you would prefer to speak to someone about a sick, injured, stranded or dead marine animal, the Department of Environment and Resource Managment have a special hotline to report such cases. Please call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

These images and observations help us to build knowledge about species diversity, abundance, habitat and range. Selected sightings will be displayed on GBRMPA's website and Facebook page, to show the world a sample of the wonderful experiences that the Great Barrier Reef can offer visitors. The information is also a vital component of the Early Warning System for health impacts under GBRMPA's Reef Health Incident Response System. This overarching system assesses reef impacts and helps us to keep an eye on the health and resilience of the Reef as a whole.

How do I report a sighting?

You can report a sighting on the Sightings Network form or email eyeonthereef@gbrmpa.gov.au.