Great Barrier Reef, Australia: is it really dying? Adam Dudding / Stuff.co.nz Bec Finlayson, marine biologist for Coral Expeditions, explains the impact of "bleaching" on the Great Barrier Reef's multi-billion-dollar tourist industry. READ MORE* Great Barrier Reef coral bleaching: How tourists can help save the reef* Airbnb offers a spectacular overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef* The Whitsundays: White sand, turtles and a really big reefWe were not long out from Cairns, the start and endpoint for the ship's two itineraries: a four-day loop north to Lizard Island and a three-day loop south to Hinchinbrook Island. Finlayson kept discussion of coral bleaching brief during her presentation because "people get offended. More information coralexpeditions.comCruising there Great Barrier Reef cruises by Coral Expeditions depart from Cairns year-round.

Source: Stuff August 19, 2017 16:52 UTC