Innovative local response to cyclone damaged reef leads to rapid tourism recovery

Climate change poses substantial risks to natural and human systems and effective response is essential. Underwater sculptures have been installed at multiple global locations to restore damaged reefs, increase tourism and educate visitors. There has been limited research that evaluates the environmental, social, cultural and economic costs of impacts such as cyclones and interventions such as underwater sculptures. Thisresearch investigated the social acceptance of underwater sculptures in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Following three months of planning and consultation, four sculptures were temporarily deployed at several habitats to facilitate action research on underwater sculptures and tourism. Respondents were supportive of installing sculptures in subtidal zones. The consultation and ‘proof of concept’ action research informed environmental assessment processes for installing permanent subtidal underwater sculptures. We report that tourist satisfaction of coral reefs damaged by a cyclone was low and following an intervention and installation of underwater sculptures satisfaction was high.