The reef was my workplace and I knew so little about it. Then I started asking questions | John Rumney

Over time I've become painfully aware that decisions being made outside my community are defining not only my business, but the entire reef tourism industry

In the late 1970s, I literally underwent a sea change. After spending time as a deckhand on a mate's boat I decided commercial fishing was the life for me. All my energy went into fishing so I could fund a carefree life of adventure - snorkelling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Life and work was good, but I figured out a way to make it even better. I spent a year building a fishing boat with long-range capability that was large enough to house myself, my wife and our first daughter. We could now spend months out at sea, eliminating the time and expense of a daily commute to fishing spots, as well as our living costs.