Northern Queensland Marina Tour

Overview

From the 27th of July to the 6th of August, 2024, Melissa White, Director of South Pacific for the International SeaKeepers Society, embarked on a tour of several marinas in Northern Queensland, Australia. Melissa began her journey in Cairns, where she attended a captains' dinner hosted by the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef (SYGGBR). This event provided an opportunity to engage with SYGGBR members and visiting captains, promoting SeaKeepers' programs in the region.

The next stop was Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, where she visited Coral Sea Marina, a partner marina. There, she presented at a morning tea event for yacht owners, engaging with five vessels interested in both citizen science and scientist-led programs. The following evening, Melissa presented at the Great Barrier Reef Seminar, attended by 15 vessels and over 40 crew members. The focus was on current projects in the region and global citizen science initiatives.

While in the Whitsundays, Melissa also toured Shute Harbour Marina Terminal and Hamilton Island Marina to foster future partnerships. These events resulted in the signing up of vessels for the Seabed2030 initiative and the addition of new DISCOVERY Yachts for various programs. Overall, the tour was a success, facilitating connections with vessels based in Australia and those traveling onward.