CoralWatch promotes a public understanding of coral reef science and climate change, and provides opportunities to act now for the future of our reefs in Australia.

The children watched an interactive virtual reality movie, coloured in, and inspected different styles of coral on display.

Dr Monique Grol and Ms Diana Kleine from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute were happy to pass on their knowledge to the community, local schools and parents.

Dr Grol said after winning a grant for National Science Week they decide to tour regional towns and educate residents about coral health and threats to the reef.

“The Corals in the Outback Sustainability Tour helps create awareness of the reef what can be done from the outback to preserve it,” Dr Grol said.

“Earlier today we talked about the Coral Reefs from the past, present and the future to Spinifex State College senior students.”

“Despite a lot of marine reptile fossils found, only one coral has been unearthed in Longreach.

“It dated back 150 million years ago from the third inland sea – reefs from the past,” Dr Grol said.

The Australian Jewel – The Great Barrier Reef – is a coral reef in the present.

“With the students we focused on what is happening there with coral bleaching,” she said.

The future of the Reef is a concern for the generations to come.

“There are still so many places on the Great Barrier Reef which are in excellent condition and worth going to visit so we discussed what can we do to preserve it for future generations.”