Meet the Great Barrier Reef's real-life mermaid
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Alongside dedicated eco-warriors, tourists play a vital role in the future of Australia's Natural Wonder.
Swimming with dolphins, coral gardening and listening to the songs of migrating whales - it's all just another day at the office for real-life mermaid Natalie Smith.
This 'office' is the Great Barrier Reef, and according to Ms Smith, spending her working days snorkelling and diving in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World is every bit as magical as it sounds. 'It's still as special to me every day as it is for people who see it for the first time,' she said. 'My favourite part is witnessing their reactions, how excited they are - it fuels my own excitement.'
Masters of the deep
A marine biologist and tour guide with GBR Biology in Cairns, Ms Smith's job description goes further than showing pretty fish and colourful coral to tourists. Having grown up in the NSW coastal town of Port Macquarie, with the local beach as her playground, her passion for the ocean runs deep. For those who join her tours, it tends to be contagious. Wearing an emblazoned navy polo shirt, a mark of expertise across Great Barrier Reef High Standard tourism operators, Ms Smith is one of 123 people selected for the Master Reef Guide program. Specially trained and identified as the reef's best storytellers, Master Reef Guides are also its greatest ambassadors. Book a reef experience with a Master Reef Guide on board, and you know you're in for something special. 'It's one thing to go out and witness the reef, but to learn about it makes it so much more special and engaging,' Ms Smith said.
It helps that there's no shortage of compelling facts to imbue guests with a sense of wonder. Visible from space and roughly covering the same area as Italy or Japan, the reef is home to more than 1500 fish species, some of them predating dinosaurs, plus about 30 species of whales and dolphins, and more than 400 different corals.
Marine magic
Mind-blowing facts and figures aside, Ms Smith said the inhabitants of the reef do their own heavy-lifting when it comes to making a lasting impression on tourists. 'A couple of months ago, we were snorkelling on the outer edge of the reef when a pod of dolphins swam underneath us, interacted with us, then swam on their way,' Ms Smith said. 'It was an absolutely surreal moment - you couldn't wipe the smile off the guests' faces - or mine.'
Whether it's a playful dolphin, a sunshine-yellow butterfly fish, inquisitive turtle or school of parrotfish rivalling the brightest 80s neons, guests always find a creature that speaks to their heart, according to Ms Smith. Underwater pops, crackles and purrs create a lively soundtrack, often with whalesong as the haunting baseline. These encounters can come in various forms, whether snorkelling off a white sand beach on postcard-perfect Fitzroy Island, joining an underwater walking tour with a diving helmet, or over lunch, from a glass-bottom boat. Whale-watching cruises, diving along Australia's continental shelf in the pristine depths of Agincourt Reef, and taking in the enormity of the reef from a sea plane, are among the other ways to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.
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How your visit helps
In an industry where conservation and tourism can be competing forces, the Great Barrier Reef is a standout exception. For Ms Smith, taking tourists to various reef locations each day provides a chance to monitor the reef's health, add to data trends and keep track of crown of thorns starfish populations - a prickly pest that destroys coral. Along with adhering to stringent sustainability requirements, various tourism operators across the Great Barrier Reef are involved in supporting its long-term survival, either through donating a portion of profits, their time, or both, to conservation efforts. Whether it's a stay in a luxurious eco-resort, fine dining on a remote island, or sleeping on a glass-bottomed pontoon, travellers can rest easy knowing their holiday is having a positive impact. There are also opportunities for tourists to have a hands-on conservation experience. On previous expeditions, Ms Smith has involved visitors in installing coral stabilisation structures, known as reef stars. These hexagonal metal frames, carrying live coral fragments, are placed across areas of coral rubble, supporting the growth of new coral. Other initiatives have seen tourism operators moonlight as coral farmers, using clips to anchor thousands of coral fragments to bald patches on the reef floor.
"When people come to see the reef, they go home loving it and wanting to protect it."
There are also opportunities to assist from home. The Great Reef Census is one of several citizen scientist programs, pairing volunteers with AI tools to analyse survey photos of the reef, contributing to an understanding of reef health across hundreds of sites. 'We can all play our part in conserving and protecting the reef - you don't have to be a marine biologist to get involved – you don't even need to be in Australia,' Ms Smith said. 'When people come to see the reef, they go home loving it and wanting to protect it. Quite a few kids come away saying they want to be a marine biologist. When you feel like you've inspired the next generation, you know you've done your job.'
Tourism plays a crucial role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef and all visitors pay an environmental management charge (EMC) which contributes to the day-to-day management and conservation of the Reef.
The most eco-friendly way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef is by booking a tour, as most operators include an environmental management charge as part of their ticket price. Look out for operators who have an EcoTourism Australia or EarthCheck certification, and just by experiencing the Reef with these operators, you're contributing to its protection and preservation. Plan your holiday to the Reef now at Queensland.com/visitthereef
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