Australian Coral Reef Society (1983 - )

Summary

The Australian Coral Reef Society began in 1983 as the successor of the Great Barrier Reef Committee, when the Committee underwent a reformation. Founded in 1922, the Committee (and hence the Society) was the first organisation in the world, the focus of which is the scientific study and protection of coral reefs. The Society fosters a new generation of reef scientists and provides objective advice to policy-makers to secure the long-term future of coral reefs. Initially concerned with the Great Barrier Reef, the Society's activities extended to all Australian coral reefs, particularly those in Western Australia. The Crown-of-Thorns starfish and the prospect of drilling on the Great Barrier Reef were some of the issues in which the Society has been particularly active. Awards made by the Society include its Established Researcher Medal, as well as medals for early- and mid-career researchers (in recognition of contributions to the science and conservation of coral reefs), and for Science Advocacy. Members may be become Fellows or Life Members in acknowledgement of their significant contributions to coal reef science, including service to the Society and the broader reef community.

Related entries

Timeline

 1922 - 1982 Great Barrier Reef Committee
       1983 - Australian Coral Reef Society

Published resources

Journal Articles

• Hamylton, Sarah M.; Hutchings, Pat; Sims, Carrie; and Ward, Selina, 'The Australian Coral Reef Society: the last 40 years of a century working with Australia's coral reefs', Historical Records of Australian Science, 34 (1) (2023), 1-18, https://doi.org/10.1071/HR22010. Details