We were at the dock for 8.00 and boarded and off for 8.30.
The crew were quite keen on everyone taking sea sickness pills even though the
90 minute trip to the first stop on Opal reef was relatively smooth. We didn't take them.
We were kitted out with a full body lycra stinger suits to
protect us from jelly fish and the sun, and issued with our mask, snorkel and
fins. I’m sure you’ll agree we all look gorgeous. Two dives, an hour each,
before lunch, then a talk about the reef and another dive before getting back
to port at 4.30. Each dive on a different area of the reef.
A brilliant experience which we’re looking forward to doing
again later on our trip. The coral shapes were amazing and so many fish that
we’ve only ever seen before in aquariums or in pictures.
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| Giant Clams |
The reef is quite
healthy we’re told, apart from natural occurrences like cyclones and a plague
of “crown of thorns” star fish. About the size of a dinner plate these stinging
creatures absorb fast growing coral allowing slower growing one to thrive in a
naturally balanced ecology. Over fishing of their natural predators and
fertiliser run off increasing fertility has led to a population growth many,
many times greater than the reef can sustain so they are having to be culled. A
team of 7 has to cover an area the size of Italy, so they only concentrate on
tourist sites.
My amateur photos can’t do justice to this wonderful area.
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| Cuttle Fish |
Beautiful pics Tim! Glad to hear that the reef is still healthy too. It's hard to imagine you there in the sunshine when it's so very gloomy here at the moment (in all senses!) Love to you both xxx
ReplyDeleteRach, sending you Queensland love and sunshine.
ReplyDeleteWhat an Amazing experience. Jacques Cousteau eat your heart out. I can report that the sun is out in Keyworth this morning although neither sun screen nor a Lycra outfit will be required!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing reef pictures. Art is very envious! Some looks quite poorly though. Glad you still saw some beautiful fish. Enjoy. Xx
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, we're told, the grey brown coral is in perfect heath, the coloured coral is in the early stages of distress, but recovers when the temp drops a degree or so. Coral is actually clear but it is the algae (that are in a symbiotic relationship with the coral)that are photosynthasising that give it colour or not. clearly the rubble on the bottom is dead.
ReplyDelete