Reef Biosearch takes to the skies

Aerial drone surveys across three high value reef sites capture data for long-term monitoring, research and conservation. This video was filmed at Great Adventures Moore Reef outer reef pontoon site. Quicksilver Group’s Reef Biosearch marine biologists have taken to the skies to strengthen site stewardship across three of our important Great Barrier Reef tourism sites, using innovative aerial drone technology to capture high-resolution imagery during one of the lowest astronomical tides of the year. Revealing stunning reef scapes, the surveys were conducted over two days at Agincourt Reef 3, home to Quicksilver’s outer reef pontoon; Moore Reef, where Great Adventures operates its outer reef pontoon; and Michaelmas Cay, visited by Ocean Spirit Cruises. The combination of exceptionally low tides, low winds and clear skies provided the ideal opportunity to capture detailed aerial imagery of reef areas that are normally underwater. Quicksilver Group Environment and Compliance Manager Phil Coulthard said the conditions presented a rare opportunity to undertake multiple site stewardship activities across the reef, and, the perfect opportunity for our marine biologists to do a little bit of science. “The drone surveys are designed to build a detailed spatial record of each reef site, creating high-resolution imagery that can be used alongside in-water observations and other scientific monitoring programs. “These projects are very exciting and will be used for long-term reef health assessment, and to assess impacts of all sorts of natural occurrences and disturbances such as global warming, increased water temperatures, crown-of-thorns starfish, storm damage - impacts that can be measured, or monitored for potential damage control interventions,” Mr Coulthard said. “Working with GEONadir software for advanced reef mapping and impact assessment, the clarity and resolution of the imagery is so good, we can virtually count individual animals such as sea cucumbers, anemones and clams in their eco habitats.” “Observing the coral reef above the waterline also provided a unique opportunity for our Reef Biosearch teams to assess reef health and the state of our coral gardens. Like pulling the plug out of the bathtub, the exposed reef habitats at all three sites revealed healthy, thriving ecosystems that have rebounded surprisingly well from past bleaching and cyclone events.” Reef Biosearch first introduced the innovative drone assessments in early 2025, conducting aerial surveys to map the reef surrounding Quicksilver’s pontoon at Agincourt Reef. These latest surveys build upon this success, forming comprehensive site stewardship plans in tandem with the Reef Authority’s Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI) program. “These actions not only promote reef resilience actions at our own sites, but also provides a wealth of data that the Reef Authority can use for management decisions, policy development and adaptive management strategies for the entire Marine Park.” Reef Biosearch’s drone surveys form part of a broader commitment to site stewardship, combining field-based marine science with emerging technology to better understand and protect the reef environments.