Virtual Reef Diver: Enabling People to Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef

Two Sustainable Development Goals are focused directly on combating the impacts of climate change coral reef communities: Goal 13, Climate Action (Take urgent action to combat and its impacts) 14, Life Below Water (Conserve sustainably use oceans, seas marine resources for sustainable development). Citizen science (CS) features prominently in a range programs that have been developed address SDGs. One such program is Virtual Reef Diver, which designed help monitor health Great Barrier Australia. This engages citizen scientists two ways. Scuba-divers asked take geo-coded underwater images upload them an online virtual reef. Members public across world then classify these with respect key indicators as coral. Through lens Diver event held part Australia’s National Science Week 2021, we describe important this positively common concerns about CS data, including scientific trustworthiness ability incorporate data other more traditional sources, quantifiable improvement information using management decisions. demonstrates role can play achieving SDGs by supporting development global policies conservation.