How you can help the reef

• Sign up to a citizen science project, such as Virtual Reef Diver (virtualreef.org.au) or The Great Reef Census (greatreefcensus.org) to help increase our knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef.

• Think about your energy use and try to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels where you can. Perhaps you can switch to a green energy pan, install rooftop solar, choose a hybrid or electric car or catch public transport instead.

• Vote for the reef. Come election time, look at the money political parties are promising to reef research and management, and at how they’re going to confront the greatest challenge to the reef – climate change. And write to your local MP and tell them it’s an issue that’s important to you.

• Steer clear of disposable plastics (drink bottles, straws, shopping bags etc) which so often find their way into waterways and destroy our marine environment.

• Take the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s ‘I’m In’ pledge to learn more about how you can help the reef (barrierreef.org/ImIn).