Reef Live Set for Australia’s ABC & iview

Reef Live is slated to broadcast live over two nights from the Great Barrier Reef on ABC and iview in Australia.

Airing on December 4 and December 6, Reef Live will let viewers witness corals across the outer reef synchronize their spawn release. Scientists will capture the spawn to help regenerate the reef before it’s too late. Viewers will also see the reef come alive in the breeding bonanza of fish, birds and turtles. Reef Live will be hosted by Hamish Macdonald (Q+A, The Project), Brooke Satchwell (SeaChange) and Dr. Jordan Nguyen (scientist and inventor).

Further, a collection of world experts will look at ways to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the reef for the future. They will discuss Indigenous perspectives, conservation initiatives and how people can get involved in citizen-science projects. Other experts will film above and below the water with marine biologist Dr. Dean Miller, free diver and marine scientist Lucas Handley and shark advocate Madison Stewart, reporting from remote areas of the reef. On shore, Dr, Ann Jones (Off Track) will broadcast from the Seasimulator in Townsville, watching millions of coral larvae being ‘born’ in captivity, mirroring the events taking place at sea.

Reef Live is part of the ABC Your Planet initiative, which builds on the ABC’s coverage of climate and environmental issues. It is a Northern Pictures production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation with principal production investment from the ABC in association with Screen Australia. It was financed with production funding support from Screen Queensland.

Jennifer Collins, ABC’s head of factual and culture said, “Reef Live is a first for Australian viewers, an event for the whole family to share in the magical natural wonder of our Great Barrier Reef.”

Karina Holden, head of factual at Northern Pictures, said: “What better way to celebrate the end of the year than with the biggest regenerative event on the planet! Broadcasting live from the Great Barrier Reef as it’s spawning is a massive logistical challenge with high-stakes, but the anticipation is building and we’re hoping it’s a bumper year and we’ll be there in the thick of it.”

Bernadine Lim, Screen Australia’s head of documentary, said: “We are proud to support this highly innovative project celebrating the wonder of the reef, from the team at Northern Pictures who have a solid track record of creating engaging natural history stories. It’s set to be a must-watch event.”

Jo Dillon, Screen Queensland’s chief creative officer, said: “Reef Live will transport Australian audiences to Queensland in an unmissable screen event that captures rarely seen footage of one of our state’s most iconic natural treasures and tourist attractions. The production is truly an example of the power and importance of factual screen stories to ignite passion and curiosity in our precious, natural habitats.”