The Great Barrier Reef Foundation says it hopes a new species is discovered when scientists and school children gather in north Queensland to collect data about the world-heritage area.
The Australian-first study known as Reef Blitz will see hundreds of students, scientists and politicians gather at Cannonvale Beach in north Queensland today, in an attempt to gather as much information about the Great Barrier Reef as possible over two days.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation managing director Claire Hanratty said it was an opportunity for the community to take responsibility for the health of the reef.
She said scientists were aiming to discover new species in the area, while more than 250 school children would take part in a beach clean-up.
"We have a fantastic suite of scientists in Australia who specialise in the reef space but involving the community in that also builds our own connection to the reef and helps us understand the wonder that we have out there," she said.
"The more data we have the better we understand what we have in that area and the better information we can give to reef manager and scientists."
