Founder
“The time for thought and discussion is over and the time for action and tough decisions is here”

“Since my first reef encounter at the age of 6, I have been fascinated by their biology and in love with their beauty. I absolutely refuse to accept that humans are not capable of preserving this fantastic ecosystem into the future but currently, we are not doing a very good job.
One of the reasons for designing the CoralWatch system as it is and the reason for coordinating and helping to write our book is to engage the community in this process. The time for thought and discussion is over and the time for action and tough decisions is here. I am very fortunate to be able to work on reefs every day and spend as much time as I can there. My kids have seen it and they love the vibrance of the place and the animal life. I am now working for them so that, when they get to my age, their children will have the chance to also draw energy and, where necessary, nutrients and livelihood from coral reefs.
Our current best estimates tell me that this is unlikely, but the fantastic CoralWatch team and our growing band of volunteers around the world are working hard to prevent their degradation by spreading knowledge and helping to come up with practical solutions.
Please join us in this effort. Don’t be swayed by the ignorant, lazy and selfish approach of ‘sceptics’ who apparently do not care for the future of their children or yours, and who grasp at any opportunity deny or distort plain fact. Don’t engage with this band of no-hopers, leave them trailing in your dust and help to secure a future for our planet that includes the beauty and bounty of the coral reef. With your help, we can do this.”

Director Centre for Marine Studies

A/ Prof. Karen Cheney is a marine ecologist employing a multidisciplinary approach to explore predator-prey interactions, animal signalling, and the fundamental principles behind the evolution and function of animal colour patterns. Her research spans sensory, behavioral, and chemical marine ecology, with a particular focus on marine fish and molluscs. She co-leads CoralWatch and the Marine Sensory Ecology Group at UQ.

Project Manager
“Isn’t it great to have a job where you can show, and teach people about, the amazing underwater world and help to preserve it? “

Diana Kleine is project manager for CoralWatch, organising education, monitoring and outreach events, designing materials that raise awareness about coral reefs, and encouraging people to help save reefs from home by adopting a more sustainable lifestyle. Diana’s background is in teaching, graphic art, and science communication. Diana loves the reef, has been diving for over 30 years and learned about the reef by working closely with marine scientists for the last 25 years. Diana is co-author and designer of the book “Coral Reefs and Climate Change” published by CoralWatch in 2009 (second edition 2012).

Project Officer
“I’m passionate about understanding how natural resources can be better managed to improve outcomes for people and the planet.”

“I am a conservation scientist interested in understanding the impacts of human activities on species and ecosystems. Through my research, I aim to find new ways of managing natural resources to improve outcomes for wildlife and people, and ensure the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Over the past 15 years, I have worked for various NGOs, where I developed and delivered biodiversity conservation initiatives and environmental education programs. I am passionate about encouraging and enabling people to become environmental stewards, and I am excited to share my experience with the CoralWatch community.”