Contribute research to the Leeper Reef project

Leeper Reef is a rocky reef stretching seaward from the coast between Sarina Beach and Campwin Beach.

At low tide, Leeper Reef provides an amazing opportunity to view species such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, fish, shrimp and corals up close without getting wet.

The corals of Leeper Reef, like all corals around the world, are under threat due to water pollution, over-fishing and climate change.

Warmer air temperatures have led to warmer seas, which place corals at risk of what scientists call coral bleaching which can lead to the death of corals.

Thanks to a Queensland Government Engaging Science Grant, Mackay Regional Council Libraries and Sarina State High School have worked in partnership to develop the Leeper Reef Project as a way to contribute to the health of the Great Barrier Reef and increase participation in science-based activities.

All individuals, citizens, students, industry and environmental organisations are invited to participate in collecting data to go towards the Leeper Reef Project. No experience or skills are necessary.

Different types of coral that can be found at Leeper Reef

Along the fringing reefs around Sarina Beach, the most common genus of corals are acropora (typically branching), favia (often referred to as brain or boulder), turbinaria (usually vase or plate) and montipora (in a range of growth forms).

acropora	favia	turbinaria	montipora