The Great Barrier Reef Project

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living organism, but environmental pressures and climate change are jeopardizing the Reef's future. To raise awareness and help preserve this global treasure, I proposed a plan that allowed people to sponsor a virtual Reef. Virtual Reefs can be secured with a donation and be available for a set period: three to twelve months. With a focus on preservation, the proceeds are committed to research.

Sponsors begin by searching the Reef from a satellite view. They can then zero in on subdivisions at sea level, and deep-dive beneath the ocean surface to explore individual sections. Green and red markers indicate availability. 

After the donor chooses his or her specific section, they receive an interactive volumetric map with actual GPS coordinates and comprehensive information.

The sponsor can explore the map in a 360° video.  When he or she clicks on a fish or coral, a pop-up window appears with detailed information and embedded video about the particular species. A Reef Community is available to post discoveries.

4K resolution video cams are mounted underwater so that sponsors can view different parts of the actual Barrier Reef live.

Blow into the microphone and create bubbles. Tilt your phone up, and see the water's surface, down to see the ocean floor. Tilt forward and travel effortlessly through your Reef.

How much is your carbon footprint affecting your reef? Sponsors can download the Australia Gas & Light app and link up their actual energy use directly to their Reef. The less energy one uses, the more one's Reef flourishes, and conversely, excessive energy use causes the virtual Reef to bleach and die.