Citizen science survey results
Published on 03 August 2026
Ocean Connect conducted citizen science research and reporting of ecological data in May of 2026.
The activity included 68 volunteer hours of training, workshops, diving and analysis. Thank you to all citizen scientists and boat crew for your time, enthusiasm, and valuable contributions to monitoring and understanding Wonder Reef.
Fish results
39 species and 3,541 fish counted
Functional groups recorded
Planktivores
Feed primarily on plankton suspended in the water column
Herbivores
Feed primarily on algae and plant material
Corallivores
Feed partially or predominantly on coral tissue and associated organisms
Cleaners
Remove ectoparasites and dead tissue from other fishes
Invertivores/Durophages
Feed on hard-bodied prey such as crustaceans and molluscs, or on benthic invertebrates
Omnivores
Consume a mixture of plant and animal material
Flute - 25 fish species recorded
Highest species richness recorded, supports a diverse mix of planktivores, herbivores and mobile predators
Benthic Composition
- Sponges: 15.8%
- Hydroids: 16.8%
- Soft Coral: 32.1%
- Algae: 44.7%
- Hard Corals: 9.0%
- Crustacea: 16.4%
- Ascidians: 3.8%
- Crinoids: 5.7%
Chain - 20 fish species recorded
Supports a range of schooling planktivores and reef-associated species
Examples of Species
- Indo-Pacific Sergeant
- Green moon wrasse
- Yellowtail Scad
- Moon wrasse
- Spotted Hawkfish
- Lance blenny
- Mauri Rockcod
- Piano Fangblenny
- Cleaner wrasse
- Gunther's wrasse
- Eastern red scorpionfish
- Bengal sergeant
Pyramid - 22 fish species recorded
Supports several benthic-associated species, predatory and schooling fish species.
Benthic Composition
- Sponges: 10.0%
- Hydroids: 9.2%
- Soft Coral: 17.5%
- Algae: 31.7%
- Hard Corals: 5.8%
- Crustacea: 11.7%
- Ascidians: 2.5%
- Crinoids: 5.8%
Threatened & Protected Species
- White-spotted eagle ray
- Mulloway
- Giant Queensland Grouper
Sea Slug Observations
Citizen Science in Action
Citizen science supports the collection of robust ecological data while strengthening community engagement and stewardship of marine environments.