Having seen the growth, changes and challenges of our region’s Great Barrier Reef tourism industry over a remarkable 32 years, the Quicksilver Group’s Dougie Baird will retire today.

Doug retires as the Group’s environment and compliance manager, a position held for two decades across the company’s Port Douglas, Cairns and Green Island operations.

“From managing our Reef biosearch team of marine biologists in the 90s to the Group’s environmental watchdog, Dougie has been not just an integral part of Quicksilver but also one of the industry’s great personalities and ambassadors,” Quicksilver director director Tony Baker said.

“Dougie’s time in the industry reflects much change. From the boom of the 90s with new and evolving markets, through to threats to the Reef from Crown of Thorns Starfish outbreaks and bleaching events that have created a new era of reef tourism operations that include collaborative and government partnerships for research and conservation initiatives - partnerships he has championed, such as a GBR first in coral restoration projects.

"With so much history and knowledge as the company and industry have evolved, his contribution has been significant - as an interpreter, educator, researcher and conservation manager for so many years and he will be greatly missed.

"We thank Dougie for all he has done for our company and the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry and wish him all the best as he heads into retirement.”