The world’s largest living coral collection has been relocated to a temporary home as Queensland embarks on constructing a new state-of-the-art aquarium. This monumental task, undertaken by Townsville marine biologists, involved moving delicate corals and marine life from the massive saltwater tank at ReefHQ, previously Australia’s national reef education centre.
Over the span of four years, the team meticulously transferred these vital ecosystems, marking a significant step in the preservation and future display of marine biodiversity. “It has been a monumental task,” stated Ed Ung, the aquarium curator. “It’s a 2.5 million-litre tank, four-and-a-half metres deep, with 35 different species of fish and over 33 species of coral. To capture and move all of those animals requires our team to be on scuba.”
Challenges in Relocating Marine Life
The relocation process was not without its challenges. The largest of the animals, a reef shark from the predator tank, was rehomed at the Gold Coast’s Sea World. Mr. Ung explained that a months-long training process was necessary to prepare the shark for transport, involving a specially designed tank for the journey.
“You’ve got a 30-kilo shark, with plenty of teeth, that really wants to not be in your hands,” he remarked. The team employed large cages underwater during feeding times to corner fish into transport containers, a strategy that required patience and precision.
“All the fish that didn’t get fooled were hiding in amongst the rock work in the exhibit,” he explained. “Some of the last work that we were doing was on scuba and catching those fish.”
Temporary Home and Future Growth
Once safely boxed, the coral and fish were relocated to the Australian Institute of Marine Science headquarters south of Townsville. Here, they have been acclimatising in purpose-built tanks that simulate natural sea conditions. “The animals have settled in quite well, some have even started to breed, and our clownfish have laid eggs,” Mr. Ung noted. “Our corals are happy and healthy and are even starting to grow.”
The ReefHQ collections are now housed in a facility designed to support their growth until the new aquarium opens in 2029. Propagation efforts are underway to expand the coral collection, ensuring a vibrant display when the new facility is completed.
Delays and Future Prospects
Initially closed in 2021 for refurbishment, ReefHQ’s reopening has been delayed due to funding issues, with the project now set for completion in 2029. The $180 million project will transform the facility into the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, promising to be the largest living coral reef aquarium globally.
Fred Nucifora, GBRMPA’s major projects director, emphasized the aquarium’s role in fostering public appreciation for the reef. “Our vision will remain — to allow people to see the Great Barrier Reef, fall in love with the reef, and do all they can to protect it,” he said.
“The Great Barrier Reef Aquarium will be the largest living coral reef aquarium in the world,” Nucifora added.
Importance of Cultural Institutions
Until the new aquarium opens, Australia will be without its national reef education centre. Professor Rohan Lloyd from James Cook University highlighted the importance of such institutions, especially given the current threats to reefs. “Now seems like a really urgent time to have an aquarium like ReefHQ in Townsville, given the threat that reefs face both locally and globally,” Dr. Lloyd stated.
He further explained the educational role of aquariums in illustrating the connection between human activities and reef health. “Our use of fossil fuels leads to climate change which is a threat to reefs, and the new ReefHQ, I hope, will help explain that relationship.”
As structural integrity assessments continue at the site, the new aquarium promises to offer an immersive experience with advanced acrylic displays, a testament to the progress in technology since ReefHQ’s original construction. “Providing a totally immersive experience for guests is going to be top of mind for us,” Nucifora concluded.
