SUSTAINABILITY

The Great Barrier Reef

Reef Runner Charters are proud to operate within the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Custom itineraries can be tailored to suit group’s interests, whether keen anglers, avid snorkellers, or just looking to unwind in a pristine environment.

Our charters benefit from access to the Cairns Planning Area of Management, enabling us to explore a wide variety of reef locations. This gives us the unique opportunity to visit remote spots that aren’t frequently accessed by others, including stunning tropical sand cays and islands. All reef sites visited are managed under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) zoning plan to protect biodiversity, prevent overuse, and safeguard cultural heritage..

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is recognised as the world’s most extensive coral reef ecosystem. Within the GBR there are some 2,500 individual reefs and over 900 islands encompassing a unique array of ecological communities, habitats, and species. This diversity of species and habitats and their interconnectivity make the GBR one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth and one of the most significant for biodiversity conservation.

The Great Barrier Reef is not just coral reefs – it includes many interconnected habitats- reefs, sea-beds, mangroves, seagrass meadows, islands, coastal wetlands and the health of the coral reefs depends on the health of these habitats.
There are over 1,500 species of fish, about 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of mollusc and some 240 species of birds, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and it contains a significant number of threatened species. The waters also provide major feeding grounds for threatened dugong and six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle. The Marine Park is also an important breeding and feeding ground for several species of whales, all of which are protected species.

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) holds cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for the Indigenous peoples of Australia, particularly the Traditional Owners whose Sea Country spans the length of the reef. These include over 70 Traditional Owner groups, each with unique languages, customs, and knowledge systems deeply connected to the marine environment. Since time immemorial, Traditional Owners have interwoven their culture and spirituality with the Great Barrier Reef (the Reef). TUMRA – Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements describe how Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner groups work in partnership with the Australian and Queensland governments to manage traditional use activities on their Sea Country. The program is a major contributor to the outcomes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Strategy for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which sets out how the Authority will work with Traditional Owners to keep Indigenous heritage strong, safe and healthy.

Reef Runner Charters Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea Country on which we operate. The Reef sites our Charters visit within the Cairns Area Management Plan area are a shared resource for Yirrganydji, Gungandji, and Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji peoples. Our team stand in unity with our indigenous brothers and sisters.
Cairns prides the ideal base for visitors to explore the reef and the rainforest and to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Experiences.

For experience details: Deeper-Into-Dreaming_Digital_Single-Page_Oct-2025.pdf

Sustainability

Reef Runner Charters is commitment to sustainable practices while providing quality nature-based experiences which protect the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s greatest living treasure.
GBRMPA Zoning management and Responsible Reef Practices and QLD Gov. catch size, and protected species regulation guide our Charter tours.

Our guests enjoy sustainable fishing practices and quality equipment, guided by our experienced crew who are always on hand to demonstrate responsible fishing techniques. We show guests how to target specific fish species in ways that minimise barotrauma—such as using proper tackle, gentle handling, and swift release methods—to greatly improve the chances of survival for fish that are returned to the water. By following these best-practice approaches and educating our guests, we help to conserve fish populations and maintain the balance of species within the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. These efforts ensure that the GBR fishery remains healthy, vibrant, and accessible for future generations, supporting both the marine environment and the enjoyment of those who visit.

At Reef Runner Charters we have an Environmental Sustainability Policy and Environmental Management Plan which are subject to review annually. We aim to minimise adverse impacts on the environment and to achieve this objective, conduct all operations with a view to prevent, reduce or mitigate harmful effects on natural resources and meet requirements of all relevant regulations and codes.

Reef Runner Charters has taken steps to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions:

  • All Charter activities are operated to ensure minimal impact to environment

  • We minimise waste, recycle and use local products and avoid single use plastics

  • Our Vessel utilises low emission 4 stroke outboard engines engines which are serviced regularly to provide optimum engine fuel efficiency

  • We monitor resource use with the Business Chamber QLD ecoBiz Program and track our carbon footprint using the Carbon Halo Emissions calculator.

  • We support Rig Recycle Tangaroa Blue Foundation this project recycles used fishing line into products such as sunglasses

  • We participate in GBRMPA Tourism Reef Protection Initiative with Stewardship Plan and weekly Eye on the Reef Health Monitoring at Vlasoff Reef site.

  • We maintain affiliation with Citizens of the Reef and donate to the Animal Wilderness Society, and 10 cent cans are separated and donated to local conservation project Restoration Bats and Trees, container refund account.

Sustainability isn’t just our thing; it’s your thing too.

Reef Runner Charters encourage our guests to continue adopting practices, such as:

  • Enjoy using the reusable water bottle gifted to you on our Charters.

  • When travelling, use local energy and water efficiently

  • Select Sustainable and Ecotourism Certified Operators where available

  • Choose Reef friendly sunscreens which are free of known reef-harming chemicals (like oxybenzone and octinoxate). For

    Further information see Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide | Save the Reef

  • Nothing goes overboard or on the ground

    All waste to be disposed in onboard and onshore waste facilities

  • Be Mindful Shopping

    We encourage guests to consider the origin of items when purchasing souvenirs while travelling and to avoid purchasing any heritage artefacts or items derived from rare or threatened species.

  • Download the Eye on the Reef App which enables you access zoning maps and rules and record Reef health, animal sightings or incidents.

    The app works outside of mobile range To download the Marine Park Authority’s Eye on the Reef Sighting App visit Eye on the Reef app | Reef Authority

  • Download the free Qld Fishing 2.0 App

    To Learn More about Sustainable Fishing via the App Store or Google Play.