Aerial surveys across three high-value Great Barrier Reef sites have captured data for long-term monitoring, research and conservation.

Quicksilver Group’s Reef Biosearch marine biologists took advantage of one of the lowest astronomical tides of the year to capture high-resolution aerial imagery.

The surveys were conducted over two days at Agincourt Reef 3, Moore Reef and Michaelmas Cay, using GEONadir software for advanced reef mapping and impact assessment.

The combination of exceptionally low tides, low winds and clear skies provided the ideal opportunity to capture detailed aerial imagery of reef areas that are normally underwater.

“The drone surveys are designed to build a detailed spatial record of each reef site, creating high-resolution imagery that can be used alongside in-water observations and other scientific monitoring programs,” said Quicksilver Group Environment and Compliance Manager, Phil Coulthard.

“These projects are very exciting and will be used for long-term reef health assessment, and to assess impacts of all sorts of natural occurrences and disturbances such as global warming, increased water temperatures, crown-of-thorns starfish, storm damage — impacts that can be measured, or monitored for potential damage control interventions,” he added.

Reef Biosearch first introduced drone assessments in early 2025, conducting aerial surveys to map the reef surrounding Quicksilver’s pontoon at Agincourt Reef.

The latest surveys build upon this success, forming comprehensive site stewardship activities in tandem with the Great Barrier Marine Park Reef Authority’s Tourism Reef Protection Initiative program.

“These actions not only promote reef resilience actions at our own sites, but also provides a wealth of data that the Reef Authority can use for management decisions, policy development and adaptive management strategies for the entire Marine Park,” said Coulthard.