Tucked away in the Port of Bundaberg, under the roof of an unassuming shed, filled with psychedelic neons, Monsoon Aquatics is making a splash in the world of reef restoration. Combining citizen science, innovation, technology, and coral farming, Monsoon Aquatics are sharing the beauty and scientific wonder of coral growing with visitors, with immersive behind-the-scenes tours and coral fragging experience.
A vital force in coral restoration, specializing in the propagation of resilient coral species, Daniel Kimberley is on a mission to ‘’share the wonder and beauty of the coral reef with the world, so it can be enjoyed, understood and valued’’. The team at Monsoon Aquatics harvest coral by hand, two divers at a time, across an area equivalent to over 20,000 Sydney Harbours, from WA across the NT, all the way down to our little slice of paradise. This sustainable approach means that it’s unlikely they’ll ever tap into the same place twice, and if they did, the harvested areas would be replenished and ready to be revisited by then.
Scientists at heart, Monsoon Aquatics both propagate and spawn coral on site, with an aim to induce it out of the ocean on a commercial scale, therefore reducing the need for coral to be collected from the wild!
Currently, the aquaculture facility is also working with a number of universities across the country for projects that will help restore the reef, such as exploring nutritional supplements to boost coral resilience, and replenishing sea grass levels for the dugongs.
Contact: Brooke Kimberley, Business Manager, Monsoon Aquatics tours@monsoonaquatics.com.au
