Douglas Baird

Biography

With a background in Marine Science in Scotland, since emigrating and becoming a citizen of Australia, Doug has worked solely in the Marine Tourism Industry for the past 24 years. He has been involved in managerial roles for the past 14 years, firstly as manager of a team of Marine Biologists (Reef Biosearch) the research and interpretive arm of Quicksilver Connections. Then as Assistant Operations Manager for the Quicksilver Connections Port Douglas based operation, and most recently (last 9 years) as Environment and Compliance Manager for the Quicksilver Group covering, Quicksilver Connections, Great Adventures, Silver Series, Green Island Resort and Pro Dive Cairns.

He has held seats on a variety of committees such as, Tourism Council Australia Environment Committee, Association of Marine Park Tour Operators Crown of Thorns Steering Committee, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Conservation and Indigenous Partnerships Reef Advisory Committee and Local Marine Advisory Committee. Doug has escorted everyone from President Clinton to Billy Connelly during their GBR experience on Quicksilver cruises and has a regular radio program every 2 weeks.

In his current role Doug’s responsible for among other things, measuring and reducing the Groups carbon footprint, maintaining all permits and licences and accreditations including Ecotourism accreditations, managing the Groups Crown of Thorns Control program. In his various roles Doug has logged in excess of 1000 dives and countless hours snorkelling on the GBR. Doug is passionate about the GBR and continues to enlighten guests to leave as ambassadors for reef protection and preservation.