Publications: The ACRS produces unique handbooks on coral reef fauna, flora and geology. A half-yearly newsletter summarises the Society's submissions to government inquiries, provides information on new research projects and discusses topical/controversial issues.

Annual Student Awards: These are awarded to post-graduate students to further their research. See Awards

Travel Grants: These grants assist post-graduate students to attend the Society's annual Scientific Meeting and International Coral Reef Symposia.

The organisation
The Australian Coral Reef Society Inc. is a non-profit, limited liability association incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory. Its affairs are managed by an annually elected Council composed of a President, Vice-President, Immediate Past-President, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 14 Councillors including 2 to 4 Institutional Members. See FAQs.

Funding
Funds are raised by annual membership fees, by sale of publications and other products and donations. All monies raised are used for the benefit of the Society's members (e.g. providing student awards, newsletter printing, subsidising scientific meeting costs etc.).

The benefits of membership

• Professional Australian and overseas contacts through networking opportunities (the Society has a substantial overseas membership).
• A voice on the future direction of research, management and ecologically sustainable development of coral reefs worldwide.
• Formal and informal opportunities (through the ACRS newsletter and Scientific Meetings) for researchers, managers and reef users to exchange views and information.
• Up to date reports of research activities and trends.
• Student grants, prizes and travel assistance.
• Discounts on scientific meeting registrations.

Become a member of the ACRS

Our history
The Australian Coral Reef Society is the oldest organisation in the world concerned with the study and protection of coral reefs, and it has played a significant role in the nation's history.

The society evolved from the Great Barrier Reef Committee, founded in 1922 to promote research and conservation on the Great Barrier Reef. The committee facilitated the historic 1928-1929 Great Barrier Reef Expedition and it founded, then managed, the Heron Island Research Station - Australia's first coral reef field research station.

The ACRS has played a prominent role in bringing major conservation issues to the attention of governments and the general public, notably the crown-of-thorn starfish outbreaks and the Royal Commission into oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef which was the catalyst for the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

While the Society has historically concentrated on the Great Barrier Reef, its focus has expanded to include all coral reefs in Australian waters, particularly in Western Australia. In changing times, and with the introduction of the concept of ecologically sustainable development, the Society encourages members of management and commercial/industrial communities to join academic researchers in contributing to the scientific knowledge of coral reefs.

For More Information, or for Membership Details,
Contact Your Local Councillor,
email us,
or download a membership form

	Web www.australiancoralreefsociety.org