From soccer fields to seagrass meadows: Trevor Floyd’s journey to the Reef

Trevor Floyd has always felt the pull of the ocean—even if he grew up a long way from it.

Raised in Michigan, a landlocked US state, Trevor’s closest saltwater experiences came from family road trips to the Florida coast and the hum of saltwater aquariums that quickly took over his teenage bedroom.

“Saltwater tanks were my thing. I was always fascinated by the coral—how delicate and complex those little systems were,” Trevor said.

While many of his classmates were chasing scholarships or preparing for college football, Trevor had a different kind of calling. Despite being offered a soccer scholarship, he made the bold choice to kick it aside—literally—for a life beneath the waves.

“Sport was fun, but it wasn’t my future. Marine science was.”

It’s a decision that’s taken him across the globe, from the US to Australia in 2014. After completing his Masters’ degree at James Cook University in Townsville—one of the world’s leading marine research centres—Trevor began volunteering at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, usually offering visitor information and conducting occasional tours.

That start turned into a career immersed in marine life. From high school lab technician to aquarist, to curatorial supervisor, Trevor has worked in four major Australian aquariums—including Cairns Aquarium and Sea World on the Gold Coast—caring for jellies, turtles, sharks, and even a stranded juvenile false killer whale.  

However there is one former tankmate that stands out: A blue spot lagoon ray affectionately named “Penny,” who developed a quirky habit of nibbling his neoprene-covered knee.

“It was a regular check-in,” he laughs.

While working at Sea World, Trevor played a key role in a milestone moment for the Reef Authority—supporting the safe relocation and settlement of apex animals from the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium's Predator Tank when it was first closed for redevelopment.  

Now, as a Curatorial Supervisor with the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium team, Trevor’s journey has come full circle. His mornings begin with planning, followed by the meticulous care and management of hundreds of corals and fish from the Aquarium's Coral Reef Exhibit temporarily located on site at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).  

Having observed both the US and Australia’s marine systems, he’s seen firsthand how environmental approaches differ.

“It’s great to see that restoration is gaining momentum around the world. When done right, it not only benefits ecosystems—it also creates powerful opportunities for education and tourism. That’s something we’re excited to offer visitors again when the Aquarium reopens in 2029.”

Similar to his work with Reef Ecologic to plant coral on Wonder Reef on the Gold Coast, one of Trevor’s favourite underwater places is the SS Yongala, a shipwreck-turned-reef not far from Townsville.

“It’s a perfect example of how something unnatural can become something beautiful. It shows us that human impact isn’t always negative—it can be constructive too, whether intentional or not. That gives me hope, ” Trevor said.

Although his twin brother still lives in the US and he misses his family, Trevor has no regrets about choosing the ocean over the soccer field.

“I followed my passion, and it brought me here. It’s been worth every step.”