Research

We partner with leading Australian universities to design, run and analyse real-world experiments at marine tourism sites across Australia, China and the Pacific—measuring actual tourist behaviour before and after each intervention. Results are analysed and published with our university partners. Our certification and services are built only on what the science shows works.

We design and test what actually changes tourist behaviour — then build from that evidence

  • Physical contact with coral reefs (when diving and snorkelling)

  • Inappropriate interactions with marine species (e.g., whale watching)

  • Sunscreen coming into contact with coral

  • The use of underwater camera equipment

  • Excessive visitation

  • Increased plastic waste through bottled water consumption

  • Boat anchors

Marine environmental impacts can be caused by:

A scenic view of a lakeside with a large pine tree in the foreground, a grassy area with a swimming pool, rocky shoreline, hills in the background, and a sailboat on the water with the sky at sunset.

Certification

A certification built on proof, not just promises

Aquawake certification recognises businesses that are implementing or have implemented interventions scientifically proven to change visitor behaviour — reducing real harm to marine ecosystems.

Aquawake operators are committed to responsible marine tourism, going beyond good intentions to actively promote tourist behaviour change.