Post date: Jun 07, 2013 2:1:24 PM
The ReefLive event amazes, delights and educates a global audience through an innovative live broadcast highlighting the importance and vibrancy of our oceans.
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF (UNDERWATER STUDIO & LAND STUDIO), QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA (JUNE 7, 2013)(BIG PLANET MEDIA ON BEHALF OF TEQ & "REEFLIVE") - As the world celebrates World Oceans Day on June 8th, a diversity of people from around the world experienced a guided underwater tour through one of the world's greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef - all from the comfort of their own homes.
In a world first, scientists, tourism operators, academics, conservationists, government agencies and the general public used the latest digital technology to participate in an 11-hour interactive broadcast hosted by internationally-acclaimed marine biologist and underwater cinematographer Richard Fitzpatrick.From a virtual studio based at James Cook University in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, the world engaged in conversations about the Great Barrier Reef ranging from how the reef is managed, to its pristine beauty and threats from climate change.
Using web based technology, participants from different locations along the Great Barrier Reef including Lady Elliot Island, Bundaberg, Daydream Island in The Whitsundays and Reef HQ in Townsville interacted with environmental experts from the United States and England. Questions to these marine experts came from a diverse range of countries from as far away as Hong Kong, China, South Africa,Canada, Germany, France, the Philippines, Turkey and Australia.
ReefLive used World Oceans Day as an opportunity for those who love adventure, the ocean and nature to get a new perspective of the Great Barrier Reef and learn more about this unique ecosystem. The event showed a side of the Great Barrier Reef few people had witnessed, and in turn helped them appreciate its unique wonders and the issues it faces.
The Queensland tourism industry is strongly united in its commitment to protect, preserve, nurture and manage this wonderful natural resource and to raise awareness of the Great Barrier Reef across the globe.
The ReefLive broadcast can be viewed on the Queensland Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/queensland <http://www.youtube.com/queensland
For further information contact Tourism and Events Queensland representative
Frances Manfield e: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]
Matthew Hart e: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]
BBS Communications Group + 61 7 3221 6711 or +61 417 635 293
About the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's great natural wonders and is widely acknowledged as one of the best managed and healthiest coral reef ecosystems in the world. It stretches over 2,300 kilometres - more than two-thirds of theQueensland coast - from Bundaberg in the south to the Torres Strait in the north. It covers more than 340,000 square kilometres and is bigger than the United Kingdom.