Celebrating 50 years of marine discovery at One Tree Island Research Station

One Tree Island is more than just a research hub - it’s an immersive experience that leaves a lasting mark on everyone who visits. For Professor Will Figueira, the research station’s Director, it offers an outlook that few places can match. “It's an incredibly inspiring place,” he says. “There's a perspective that it offers on life and being away from things and having bucket showers and looking at stars and just sticking your face in the water and seeing what's going on in a world that most people haven't really seen.”

Situated in the protected southern reaches of the reef, this four-hectare coral cay provides a unique, undisturbed environment for studying marine ecology, climate change effects, and more.

The station, managed by the University of Sydney since 1974, stands out for its location in a scientific research zone, called an “orange zone”, a rarity within the Great Barrier Reef because it restricts public access, fishing, and other activities that can impact fragile marine ecosystems.​

This isolation enables researchers to conduct critical studies that might otherwise be impossible in more trafficked areas. As a result, One Tree Island has significantly contributed to global understanding of coral health, ocean acidification, and the ecological impacts of climate change.

The island holds an iconic status among scientists and environmental enthusiasts alike, capturing imaginations long before many have even set foot on its shores.

“As a young scientist who got interested in coral reefs right away, I knew about One Tree,” Professor Figueira says. “So, when I finally made it there, I was like, whoa, I'm here, it's happening. I've read about this place and all these papers through my PhD back in the US. So, it was very foundational in that sense.” 

While global warming and coral bleaching events have impacted One Tree Island Reef, its heavily protected status has provided researchers with an invaluable living laboratory to investigate natural defence mechanisms and resilience within reef systems. Studies at the station have focused on various aspects of reef health and are essential in predicting how other reef sections might respond to climate pressures in the years to come.

The station’s 50th anniversary also marks a new chapter of support, thanks to the donation from the Sapphire Project. Hayley Baillie and Ryan Gollan are co-chairs of the Project and passionate advocates for ocean conservation. They also know how vital it is to support environmental causes.

As Gollan mentions, “Around 5% of philanthropic donations in Australia historically have gone to the environment and even less for ocean conservation.”

Baillie underscores the importance of One Tree Island’s role in our global understanding of marine science. “The research happening at this facility is pivotal,” she says. “We’re supporting scientists who are uncovering knowledge with benefits that ripple out worldwide.” 

For Gollan, the station is more than a research site; it’s an irreplaceable asset to enable a greater understanding of what’s happening in our oceans. 

“One Tree Island is the ideal location for fieldwork. It’s crucial not only for Australia’s ocean scientists but for experts from around the world.”

Beyond supporting research, One Tree Island also provides invaluable educational opportunities, enabling students to engage directly with marine science. The station welcomes limited groups of undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering them the chance to conduct hands-on fieldwork in a world-class research environment​.

“The island gives students an unbelievable environment to go and figure stuff out on their own, which is critical if they're on a research pathway,” Professor Figueira says. “They solve problems, test hypotheses, figure out what's going on by using scientific processes. The place lends itself to mentoring and teaching.”

The island’s isolated environment, combined with its research infrastructure, creates a setting where students can deeply connect with both the scientific process and the environment itself. As Professor Figueira says, “The vast majority of students say it’s just the best thing they’ve done to that point in their life.”

The 50th anniversary of One Tree Island Research Station is a celebration of half a century of transformative marine research, conservation efforts, and education. Philanthropic support from donors like the Sapphire Project ensures it continues to be at the forefront of marine science. 

Reflecting on their decision to support One Tree Island, Baillie shared, “The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s true natural wonders. When we learned about the station’s research and how essential it is for protecting these ecosystems, we felt compelled to help.” Gollan added, “It’s not just about today; it’s about ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the reef the way we do.”