As inaugural Director, Chris was responsible for setting up the Centre in 1993 and deserves much of the credit for establishing it as one of Australia's leading environmental Cooperative Research Centres. His research leadership and management skills, spanning twenty years in Australia and overseas, have been highly regarded by the Centre's partner organisations and research staff. There is no doubt Chris's personal skills also played a key role in creating a strong culture of collaboration between reef researchers, students, industry groups and resource manager.

Chairman of the Centre's Board, Sir Sydney Williams, said Chris had forged stronger links between the many disparate groups involved in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

'Much of the cooperation between government-funded research and industry development can be attributed to Chris's leadership and networking skills,' Sir Sydney said.

Chris, his wife Jan and their two daughters left Townsville in May for Holland. Chris has taken up the position of Executive Officer with Land Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ). Dr Terry Done was appointed Acting Director until 30 June 1998. Mr Simon Woodley has been appointed as Director from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999.