Unfortunately, we are missing two of our regular articles from this issue — Slick Talk and CRC Reef Research Centre Update — although, some interesting articles have replaced them.

For this issue’s What’s Out There? guest writers, Hamish Malcolm, Tony Fontes and Tania Ashworth, summarise the results of a project they’ve been undertaking at Butterfly Bay (Whitsunday Islands) to assess the levels of refuse and illegal fishing in the area.

Sylvia Spring provides a brief insight into the thoughts and feelings researchers often have when working with animals. It’s a side that many people don’t often think about – the emotions researchers experience as they think about how what they’re doing affects the subject of their research.

Michelle Devlin draws upon a variety of sources as she discusses the relationship between seagrasses and increased nutrient levels.

Finally, staff from the Authority’s Water Quality and Coastal Development Critical Issues Group present an update of the Authority’s long-term water quality monitoring program, with particular emphasis on chlorophyll a monitoring.

We received a suggestion that we should perhaps dedicate a column within Reef Research to letters/feedback received from readers. This is a feasible idea but unfortunately we receive very few letters. Please remember, though, that feedback is invaluable and always welcome.

Kim Lally