Is the Great Barrier Reef dead? Determined to find the answer to this question and reveal the real state of the Great Barrier Reef, Marine Biologist Johnny Gaskell undertook an epic 12 month journey exploring the Reef from south to north. On this expedition, Johnny surveyed sites every 200km from Lady Elliot Island at its southern tip, to the far northern reefs of Raine Island, travelling 1810km along almost the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef.
“The idea of this mission came about when there was a lot of talk around the reef being dead, or almost dead, or half dead, or fine after the 2016/2017 bleaching events. It was hard to know what to believe with so many conflicting messages,” said Johnny.
“I couldn’t find anyone who could personally speak for all regions of the Great Barrier Reef, so I figured I best just go have a look for myself.”
“The purpose of this expedition was to get in the water with no set agenda other than to explore and take in as much of the incredible beauty of the Great Barrier Reef as possible. And then film the highlights to inspire others to want to protect what we still have.”
Johnny confirmed that while the Great Barrier Reef is certainly still vibrant and alive, it is showing signs of stress – and more more than ever, it needs our support.
“The key message is clear. We have a chance right now to try and protect what we have left, which is still amazing. If we put it off, tomorrow the bar will continue shift and we may soon be talking about protecting a lesser Great Barrier Reef than we have today.”
Johnny is known for his work in discovering ‘blue holes’ in the Great Barrier Reef, many of which he located by Google Maps and had never been explored before his expeditions.
