SeaLink Whitsundays is proud to announce that Red Cat Adventures has secured another year of funding under the Australian Government's Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI), administered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority). This extension marks the continuation of Red Cat's leadership in reef stewardship, with the initiative now funded through to May 2026.

“As a local operator, we are incredibly honoured to be entrusted with another year of this important work,” said Asher Telford, General Manager, SeaLink Whitsundays.
“Protecting the reef is part of who we are, and this funding allows us to build on the achievements of the past year while continuing to give our guests a deeper connection to this remarkable ecosystem.”

Since joining the TRPI in December 2022, Red Cat Adventures has worked closely with the Reef Authority to develop and deliver frontline reef conservation outcomes across the Whitsundays. Dozens of staff have been trained in weekly tourism data collection, Reef Health Impact Surveys, and predator control techniques. This hands-on knowledge is shared with guests during tours — helping connect visitors to reef sites through education and storytelling, and inspiring new 'Reef Warriors'.

Red Cat Adventures also collaborates with Traditional Owners to support On Country site visits and reconnection with land and sea Country, strengthening cultural and environmental ties, particularly for the Ngaro and Gia people.

Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth and one of Australia's most iconic natural treasures. But it faces increasing threats from climate change, coral bleaching, water pollution, and outbreaks of coral predators. Local initiatives like the TRPI play a critical role in reef resilience, providing timely data, on-ground monitoring, and direct interventions.

Over the past year, Red Cat Adventures has delivered measurable impact across key areas:

• 1,182 Eye on the Reef surveys conducted, helping Reef Authority scientists monitor reef condition and detect early signs of change at important tourism sites
• 11,000+ reef images uploaded to ReefCloud, supporting real-time analysis through AI and long-term data insights from the Australian Institute of Marine Science
• 9,200+ coral predators removed, including Crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, which pose major threats to reef health
• 64 Traditional Owner on Country visits supported, contributing to cultural reconnection and shared stewardship of sea Country

• Ongoing maintenance of a dedicated Reef Stewardship Site at Cockatoo Point, Hook Island where teams focus efforts on predator control, reef health monitoring, guest education, and coral damage rectification as needed

Red Cat Adventures is also a key contributor to the Eye on the Reef program alongside other local tourism operators, collectively delivering invaluable real-time data to inform Reef Authority decision-making and support wider marine research.

“These conservation efforts are seamlessly integrated into our guest experiences by our dedicated and passionate crew,” added Telford. “Whether it's during our Thundercat Day Tour, Tongarra Day Sail or the Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure, our team weaves in education, insight and reef science, creating meaningful connections between people and place.”

SeaLink Marine & Tourism CEO, Donna Gauci, added: “The team at Red Cat Adventures is doing a brilliant job helping to protect the reef while giving guests a deeper appreciation and understanding of its significance, and why it must be preserved and protected for generations to come.”

In addition to Red Cat Adventures, as part of the SeaLink Whitsundays family, Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours also supports reef health through marine debris removal, seagrass replanting, and eco-accredited adventure tours that raise awareness of the Whitsundays' fragile ecosystems.

To learn more or book an eco-adventure visit:

• Red Cat Adventures: redcatadventures.com.au
• Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours: jetskitour.com.au
• Purely Whitehaven Big Island Day Tour: Purely Whitehaven – Full day