Dive in to help monitor Great Barrier Reef

Master reef guide and marine biologist, Azri Saparwan, has created the Fitzroy Island Resort Marine Conservation Program as part of the resort's ongoing support for the two not-for-profit organisations that undertake conservation activities on the island.

"This full-day tour is the first opportunity guests have had to go behind the scenes at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to help care for the sea turtles and to assist with the Reef Restoration Foundation's coral restoration work," said resort chief executive officer Glen Macdonald.

Guests can help cut up seafood to feed the turtles and clean the tanks at the rehabilitation centre. They will also be asked to identify the turtles they see when they are snorkelling at the front of the resort in Welcome Bay.

"And if someone discovers a new turtle, they will have the honour of naming it," Mr Saparwan said.

Participants will be shown how to identify and remove the coral-eating Drupella snail before snorkelling over the sites where the Reef Restoration Foundation has planted corals grown in Australia's first offshore coral nursery at Fitzroy Island.

They will also undertake an Eye on the Reef survey identifying corals and marine life to help inform the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's work.

The Marine Conservation Program operates on Mondays for those aged 16 and older. The $199 fee includes lunch, refreshments, snorkel gear and a donation to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. The program is part of the federal government's Tourism Industry Activation and Reef Protection initiative.

Family-owned Fitzroy Island Resort is a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns. The National Park island is regarded as an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches.

The island has five walking trails and is accessible for day tours and overnight guests via the Fitzroy Flyer daily transfers.

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