Ahoy ocean lovers! Do you have a big idea to help protect the Great Barrier Reef?

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef has teamed up with James Cook University and plastic straw swashbuckler Molly Steer to launch Reef RADicals, an exciting online competition for kids.

Reef RADicals is asking for salty sea scholars and aspiring Attenboroughs to get their cameras out, put their thinking (or pirate) hats on, and get creative to help protect the Great Barrier Reef and the marine life that calls it home.

Kids aged six to 13 and their parents are encouraged to choose one of five challenges, brainstorm a solution and submit a short video about their big idea to help protect the Reef.

And because pirates and mermaids love treasure, there’s a GoPro Hero 8 for the lucky winner.

Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef CEO, Andy Ridley, said there are some inspiring kids out there doing amazing things every day to help protect the planet.

“Reef Radicals wants to find these kids, share their biggest and craziest ideas, and inspire others to get thinking about how small actions can have a big impact,” he said.

Straw No More founder and Reef RADicals Ambassador Molly Steer (11) is proof that you’re never too young to change the world.

“Over one million people from all over the world have joined my campaign to ditch plastic straws,” she said.

“I hope to inspire kids and show them that even the smallest idea can have a really big impact for the Reef.”

Mr Ridley says that engaging kids in ocean education and conservation is a key part of the organisation’s work.

“Through our platforms like Oceanpedia and Reef Tracks, we‘re showing kids that the Reef is still a wondrous and inspiring place, a place we must do everything we can to protect.”

While highlighting some of the challenges facing the Great Barrier Reef, the competition also showcases the diverse fields of research that contribute to marine conservation.

“James Cook University researchers, in disciplines across the sciences, social sciences and humanities, work to better understand and protect the Great Barrier Reef,” said Professor Stewart Lockie, Director of The Cairns Institute at JCU.

“This research connects us with communities, industries and individuals who are passionate about working to protect the Reef.