Event to help protect the reef

REEFBLITZ is coming to Cannonvale Beach.

The two-day event, which will take place on October 24 and 25, will give locals the opportunity to contribute in practical ways to the protection and preservation of the reef.

Supported by the Queensland Government and Qantas, and hosted by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, ReefBlitz is a free event which invites the community (along with scientists, amateur scientists and naturalists) to find, identify, and collate as much data as possible on the Great Barrier Reef over two days.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QWPS) Acting Senior Ranger Kay Kunze said the days would include a variety of activities.

“Friday is going to be a school-based day where there’s a full day event with three different schools and the PCYC,” she said.

“On Saturday it’s going to be wide open for anybody to rock up and do some surveys and help out in the local environment.”

“The aim is to educate the community and the public, because… they’re only going to protect and love what they know and understand,” Ms Kunze said.

Locals will be able to explore the local foreshore in search of birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and flora.

There will also be marine debris cleanup with Eco Barge, a rocky shore high tide walk, a mangrove discovery walk and a seagrass walk.

The QWPS Barge Nunga III will also be available for inspection by the public.

Ms Kunze said people could register their attendance on the website or facebook page, but were also welcome to turn up on the day. http://www.barrierreef.org/reefblitz