SHE'S a television host, the voice of the ever-forgetful Dory and now a reef protection advocate.

Playing on her role as Dory in the upcoming Disney Pixar film Finding Dory, Ellen DeGeneres has released a video encouraging the world to protect the Great Barrier Reef - and it's been well received in the reef town of Airlie Beach.

"As you may know I'm a big fan of your beautiful, great, wonderful Great Barrier Reef which is home to my favourite fish, Dory," Ms De Generes has now famously said.

"And as you may remember, but Dory probably doesn't, she's a blue tang and has many other amazing species that live in the reef with her."

Ms DeGeneres goes on to say "it's critical that we protect this amazing place".

"And we'd like your help," she said.

The video encourages viewers to donate to Green Fleet, a group dedicated to planting native trees and restoring mangroves in the Great Barrier Reef region.

Airlie Beach-based Australian Marine Conservation Society reef campaigner Cherry Muddle said Ms DeGeneres was "echoing the concerns of the majority of Australians".

"Her voice shows her passion and her concern for the Great Barrier Reef and will only raise further awareness that is much needed to protect this global icon," she said.

"There is already an immense amount of awareness about the Great Barrier Reef and Ellen's voice certainly adds to those voices."

Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping spokesperson Sandra Williams said we were "all responsible for protecting the reef".

"We know Australians want to see our reef properly protected and Ellen shows us that people all over the world are equally concerned," she said.

"Ellen is right; it is crucial we protect this amazing place.

"The reef catchment rehabilitation work carried out by Green Fleet is an important part of the mix to keep our Great Barrier Reef healthy for future generations to enjoy."