If you act now, repair remains possible.
You can help repair the Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is under more pressure than ever. Rising ocean temperatures, severe cyclones and compounding threats are pushing this living ecosystem to its limits. Events like Cyclone Narelle show how quickly damage can occur.
But it’s not too late.
Proven solutions are already working in the water today. They just need to reach more of the Reef, faster.
For the first time in history, coral reefs have reached a global tipping point.
This is no longer only about protection. It’s about active repair.
To repair the Reef, a toolkit of practical solutions is being built right now.
- Detecting crown-of-thorns starfish early
- Strengthening coral against heat stress
- Restoring seagrass meadows at scale
Act now to protect
the Reef
Your impact can make a real difference
$40
helps restore the seagrass meadows that feed turtles, dugongs and fish.
Donate $40
$80
helps detect crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks early – protecting coral before it’s lost.
Donate $80
$120
helps fund research that helps coral survive rising ocean temperatures.
Donate $120
$250
helps scale reef restoration technology across more of the Reef, faster.
Donate $250
Your gift supports priority projects which can help to restore the Reef and protect the animals that call it home.
Tool 1: eDNA detection
Detecting threats early with eDNA
One of the biggest threats to coral comes from crown-of-thorns starfish. In large numbers, they can rapidly destroy coral reefs and are responsible for up to 40% of coral loss on the Great Barrier Reef.
The challenge has always been timing – by the time outbreaks are visible, significant damage has already occurred.
That is now changing.
In partnership with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, eDNA technology is being used to detect microscopic traces of crown-of-thorns starfish in seawater. This allows teams to identify outbreaks early and respond before coral is lost.
With your support, this early-warning system can be scaled across more of the Reef – protecting coral before damage occurs.
Image credit: Ulysses Ecosystem Engineering
Tool 2: Mako robot
Restoring seagrass habitats
Seagrass meadows are essential to the health of the Reef – and to the animals that depend on it every day. They provide food for turtles and dugongs, shelter for fish, and support the complex food webs that keep the Reef alive.
But these habitats are under increasing pressure from recent cyclones, floods and severe weather events, causing widespread loss across key feeding and breeding grounds.
At Gladstone, new underwater robotics called the Mako robot, are being trialled to restore seagrass by planting seeds directly into the seabed. This technology is helping accelerate recovery at scale, rebuilding the habitats that marine animals rely on to survive.
Your support helps restore these vital feeding grounds and protect the animals that call the Reef home.
Tool 3: Heat tolerance innovations
Helping coral adapt to heat
Coral is the foundation of the Reef. But when ocean temperatures rise, coral becomes stressed and can bleach — losing the microscopic algae it depends on to survive. If this continues, entire reef systems begin to break down.
Scientists are now working to strengthen coral’s natural ability to cope with heat stress. By better understanding the relationship between coral and the algae it depends on, new approaches are being developed to improve resilience in warming oceans.
This research is still evolving, but it is already shaping how reefs can be supported into the future.
Your donation helps accelerate this work and bring it closer to the Reef.
Image credit: Ian McLeod, AIMS
Image credit: Dani Cotoli
Your donation powers real solutions already working in the water today, giving the Reef a better chance to recover and adapt for generations to come.
FAQ's
Is my donation tax deductible?
What are the different ways I can donate?
You can make a once-off donation or an ongoing monthly donation. If you are looking for alternative ways to donate and would like to talk to our team, please call 1800 427 300.
Where does my donation go?
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation is creating a better future for the world’s coral reefs by protecting ocean habitats, restoring coral reefs and helping them adapt to the impacts of climate change. Your donation will support these priority projects that help restore the Reef and protect the animals that call it home.
Can I talk to someone about making a larger donation?
Our team is here to help answer any questions you may have or talk through your donation. Call 1800 427 300 and we will be happy to assist.
Can I donate on behalf of my business?
Yes, you can become a Business Supporter. We would love to welcome you to our network of valued supporters and work with you during the most critical time in history for the Reef.
Call Us
Please call 1800 427 300 to donate or for assistance
Direct Deposit
Email us at giving@barrierreef.org to receive the details to donate directly to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation Gift Fund
Please send your donation cheque to: Great Barrier Reef Foundation, GPO Box 1362, Brisbane QLD 4001
Top image credit: Katerina Katopis, Ocean Image Bank
