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“I think this program is important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as we can bring two different knowledges and sciences together to accomplish more, and to make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect the ocean,” said a Pimlico State High School student (p125).

In an idyllic setting, the students spend two days putting some of their learning into practice in the real world. They snorkel on the reef, practising coral identification they have learned in class. They take part in a study of marine debris, learning about the growing problem of microplastics.

"They got a good chance of going to college and they can learn these things — to be marine biologists, and that can help us in our field in sustaining sea quality," says Manbarra Elder.

The program combines Western science concepts with Traditional Ecological Knowledge and provides opportunities for more Indigenous Australians to be represented in careers in organisations charged with researching and managing the Great Barrier Reef.

Founder Joe Pollock, a graduate of AIMS@JCU has maintained the annual AIMS day since the program's inception.

Students toured the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) as part of a larger program to inspire Indigenous secondary school students to pursue careers in marine science.