We’re privileged to live and work in one of the most remarkable environments on this planet, the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef.
Quicksilver’s dedication to the preservation of this greatest natural asset has resulted in a much broader public and scientific understanding of corals and marine life in the Great Barrier Reef. We are committed to environmentally sustainable tourism and embrace Best Environmental Practices.
Our environmental division, Reef Biosearch, undertakes a variety of monitoring and research duties. See one of our current research projects here. This include crown of thorns starfish [cots] control program, water quality monitoring, collaborative research and contributing to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Eye of the Reef program which monitors coral health.
Many pilot research projects initiated by the company have gone on to be funded and developed by groups such as GBRMPA, Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University of Queensland. Proudly Quicksilver’s Reef Biosearch reef monitoring commenced in 1986, became the precursor to the Eye on the Reef program.
At our outer reef sites, we have used dedicated sites with permanently moored platforms since 1983. Our investment in these platforms, island operations and remote dive and snorkel sites has created a sense of stewardship to protect and preserve what we perceive as “our patches”.
We have Australia’s highest ecotourism certification and long term operational permits granted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in recognition of our commitment to environmental sustainability and best practice.
Special environmental measures are incorporated into our daily operations to protect and nurture the reef’s health. For example, instead of using toxic anti-foul on vessel hulls they are cleaned manually on a weekly basis, waste water from reef platforms is pumped into sullage tanks on the vessels and removed from the reef area.
Codes of Practice such as handling of animals protocol, fish feeding protocol, dive and snorkel protocols to name a few, ensure that our reef sites are maintained in pristine condition. See more about the Quicksilver Group's environmental stewardship.
In addition to interpretive programs, Quicksilver’s continuing policy of public education in the wider community includes school visits and assistance for documentary film crews, journalists and visiting scientists.
Ultimately, Quicksilver would like all of our passengers to leave as ambassadors to reef protection and preservation.
