LADY MUSGRAVE REEF FACTS

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07 4151 5225 ladymusgraveexperience.com.au 2300KMS OF QUEENSLAND REEF

COOKTOWN 8000 YEARS OLD

CAIRNS

TOWNSVILLE

MACKAY Great Barrier Reef ROCKHAMPTON AUSTRALIA

SUNSHINE COAST GOLD COAST large reef areas exposed. It is during these times that the wind eroded large gullies and ridges amongst the coral. When the polar caps melted up of over 2,700 individual reefs with and sea levels rose, what was ORIGIN OF almost as many islands and cays. once dry limestone bedrock once again supported coral growth. This The first reef systems began to grow THE GREAT process of sea level change has in this area some 2 million years occurred many times in the last 2 BARRIER REEF ago when Northern Australia drifted million years since the reef formed. The Great Barrier Reef is one into the tropics. Due to tides and of the world’s most complex and currents many different organisms Due to this continual growth of new biologically diverse ecosystems. drifted down from the surrounding coral over the old skeleton as the The reef stretches for 2,300 areas of Malaysia and Indonesia sea level rose and fell, the Great kilometres along most of the where they were able to establish Barrier Reef today in most places is Queensland coast, starting at Cape and grow in this new environment. a maximum of 300 metres thick. The York in the north to just north of Since this time several ice ages present day Great Barrier Reef is Bundaberg in the south. The reef have occurred resulting in dramatic around 8000 years old with much of however, as the name suggests is sea level changes. During each ice this growth taking place in a period not one continual barrier but is made age, sea levels subsided leaving of relatively stable sea levels.

and rainwater but maintain their REEFSCAPES basic shape. After rising sea levels Lady Musgrave’s story began submerge them again, new coral 2 million years ago when coral reefs grows over the ancient structure. first began to form in this area. Sea level reached its lowest (about SEA LEVEL STABILISED Following their formation, reefs have 120m below the present level) in the been flooded and stranded as sea 6000 YEARS AGO last ice age some 18,000 years ago. levels have risen and fallen. When At that time land reached out to the reefs are exposed as limestone hills edge of the continental shelf. The at times of very low sea level, they polar icecaps began to melt, and are eroded by wind for 10,000 years the sea level rose. Coral grew on the mounds of the old reefs as they were submerged, but could not keep up with the rising sea. About 6,000 years ago, the sea level stabilised, and reefs grew closer to the surface. Some have now reached sea level, while others are still well below it. SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF

years. (In 1983 a large bulk carrier, At the southern end of The Great DISCOVERY the TNT Alltrans grounded on Lady Barrier Reef, close to the Tropic of In 1770, Captain James Cook Musgrave Reef, but was refloated). Capricorn, lies a string of islands travelled up the Queensland coast Capricornia’s peace was shattered in and reefs known as “Capricornia” close to the mainland, out of sight of the late 19th Century with the arrival the Capricorn and Bunker Group. the islands of Capricornia. Flinders of miners seeking phosphate rock Capricornia’s 22 reefs, 13 of them in 1802 may have seen Masthead or guano. They began on Lady Elliot with islands, are about 80km Island but the first definite sighting Island in 1863 and left a devastated from the mainland, in the shallow of the Capricornia cays was by landscape stripped of trees and seas above the continental Captain Bunker in 1803. The topsoil. Grazing goats aggravated shelf. Capricornia is an important southernmost cay on the reef, Lady the damage and only in the last conservation area and is part of Elliott Island was named after Lady 20 years has the island begun to the World Heritage Site declared Elliot which sailed past in 1816. The recover. Fairfax and Lady Musgrave over the Great Barrier Reef. island’s position was fixed three Islands were mined at the end of Eighteen thousand years ago, the years later by Phillip Parker King, the 19th Century, and on both reefs of Capricornia were limestone on the first of his 3 voyages to the these islands, goats also caused hills on a coastal landscape. southern reef. On his second voyage extensive damage. Aboriginal family groups painted in 1820, King named the island and Lady Musgrave Island was the site in the caves and harvested rich in 1821 he observed several other of Capricornia’s second tourist food supplies from the coastal Capricornia Islands. resort, established in 1939, but plains and fringing reefs. Then, was named in 1839 by Wickham this soon closed due to financial generation after generation, the and Stokes in the Beagle, then in troubles. (The first tourist resort was tribes traditional hunting grounds 1843 Captain Blackwood in H.M.S. established in 1932 on Heron Island, were flooded by a slowly rising Fly, accompanied the Bramble and utilising the old turtle soup cannery). sea. The cays which developed in surveyed all the islands and reefs. Canneries were established on both Capricornia were a long journey The party visited Heron and North West Islands in the across often rough water and there and named (after the early 1900’s. Harvesting ceased by is no evidence that they were America which was wrecked there 1930 due to over exploitation and visited by Aboriginals. in 1831), Heron Island (named after 20 years later turtles were the graceful egrets) and One Tree protected. Half of Lady Musgrave Island. Jukes also wrote about Lady Island was declared a national park Musgrave, calling it “The First Bunker in 1938 with the remainder declared Island”. Lady Musgrave Island was in 1967. CAPRICORN named after Jeannie, the American born wife of a Queensland Governor, GROUP KEPPEL IS. Sir Anthony Musgrave. YEPPOON NORTHWEST IS. WILSON IS. Later as ports of central and LADY MUSGRAVE HERON IS. northern Queensland became MASTHEAD established, shipping in the vicinity ISLAND WAS CAMP IS. FITZROY REEF of Capricornia increased. In 1866 a NAMED AFTER LLEWELLYN REEF BOULT REEF temporary lighthouse was erected THE QUEENSLAND GLADSTONE FAIRFAX IS. on Lady Elliott Island and a more LADY MUSGRAVE permanent structure was built in GOVERNOR 1873. North reef lighthouse followed SIR ANTHONY BUNKER in 1878. A lighthouse was placed on Lady Musgrave Island in 1974. In MUSGRAVE’S WIFE GROUP spite of these beacons, there have been numerous shipwrecks over the AUSTRALIA

BUNDABERG LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND IS A 14 HECTARE CORAL CAY

THE SHELTERED LAGOON IS UP TO LADY MUSGRAVE 8 METRES DEEP ISLAND AND REEF

Lady Musgrave Island is the southernmost island in the Much of the island has been formed from coral shingle, Bunker Group. The island is a 14-hectare coral cay with a and its shallow soils, along with strong winds, have 1192 ha surrounding reef, occupied by a large sheltered influenced the vegetation. lagoon. Cays in Capricornia such as Lady Musgrave are The tree canopy is low compared to sandy cays further low, flat islands which have never been connected to the north, rising from 6 – 8 metres on the southern side to a mainland but have formed from the reef which surrounds maximum of about 15 metres. The open vegetation of the them. They develop as fragments of coral, algae and southern eastern side of the island gives way to rambling other reef inhabitants are deposited on one part of the stands of Pisonia and sandpiper fig in the centre. The reef, (usually the leeside) by waves and storms. This Pisonia forest gradually increase in height and density process has resulted in the formation of Lady Musgrave towards the sheltered north western side. Island. The surrounding beaches are mostly sandy. Conglomerate and beach rock outcrops which can be The island tree Pisonia (Pisonia grandis) is well adapted to seen on the island, have been formed by chemical island life, and often grows in dense forests which allows processes which cement the coral shingle and sand. little light to penetrate the forest floor, thus excluding most other plants. Pisonias flourish in the calcium rich The platform reef of Lady Musgrave has distinct natural cay soils and in dry times survive by shedding leaves. zones and includes a deep lagoon. The windward reef Branches blown down in storms sprout new leaves slope is steep, with a “spur and groove” structure. On and roots. The sticky seeds are dispersed by seabirds, the spurs are beautiful branching staghorn corals whilst especially the black noddies that nest in the Pisonias. the grooves that are scoured by tides and currents, are relatively bare. The reef crest, a rocky rim, is the The beach on the lee side of Lady Musgrave is backed highest point on the reef and is covered with cemented by stands of the graceful coastal sheoak and on the encrusting algae. windward side by pandanus trees. On the beach, creepers, herbs and grasses, such as the green, The outer edge of the reef flat boasts many coral pincushion like beach carrot are abundant. varieties, whilst sand dominates the bottom, inside the lagoon. The sheltered lagoon is up to 8 metres deep Native animals living on the island arrived by flying, with intermittent patch reefs. The lagoon provides an drifting or swimming, or by clinging to floating plants, excellent anchorage and is connected to the sea through flotsam or other animals. To be permanent residents, a steep sided channel. The lee reef slope is gentle and they must be able to survive on the island through supports an interesting variety of corals, which are drought and cyclone. Insects, spiders and other not exposed to the strong seas of the windward slope. arthropods are common on Large coral heads or bommies (abbreviation of aboriginal Lady Musgrave, but there are no mammals or reptiles word “bombora”) are home to countless fish and other (except visiting turtles) and only a few resident land birds. marine life. Many more land birds visit the island to feed, roost or breed, but do not stay permanently. THE GREAT 8

WHAT WILL The Great 8 is a variety of special animals only seen here in their natural habitat. Each iconic animal is selected because of its I SEE WHEN connection to the Great Barrier Reef, importance to the marine SNORKELLING AT eco-system and you guessed it, location. LADY MUSGRAVE WHALES When snorkelling around the large The Humpback whales arrive in the coral bommies adjacent to the boat, Southern Great Barrier Reef as part of you will get the most out of your their winter migration to calve, mate and snorkelling experience by following socialise. Best seen during June the reef edge and around the to October. bommies, where you will encounter the greatest diversity of life. While TURTLES approaching the reef edge and Turtle nesting from October to February and coral bommies you will see large hatching from January to March of each sea cucumbers laying on the lagoon year is an amazing experience that you floors. A part of the starfish family, will remember for many years to come. sea cucumbers are known as the vacuum cleaners of the reef because of the way they clean the sand of SHARKS fish waste and bacteria. The lagoon When snorkelling around the large coral has large formations of staghorn bommies adjacent to the boat you’ll see coral. These are normally very many species of sharks. brightly coloured, however some have colouration only on the tips. The CLOWNFISH blue blanket coral is commonly found If you have seen the movie Finding growing up the reef edges. Mushroom Nemo, you would already know corals are the only corals that will just how cute and illusive this little guy move with the tide or current, looking can be. like a grooved “frisbee”. When the feeding tentacles are extended they GIANT CLAMS resemble small anemones. If you have never been to the Great Barrier Reef, these animals will really blow you Close to the boat on the reef edge away. Growing up to 1.5 metres in length there are some giant clams. The and weighing up to 200kg and like a clams’ hard shell is open when in hand-print, it has a mantle pattern and feeding mode and will gently close colour unique to itself. as its primitive eye detects changes in light. Another type of clam can also be seen amongst the coral, POTATO COD the burrowing clam – buries itself This giant grey-brown cod can grow in the coral. up-to two metres in length and weigh in at 100kgs. Many divers have In strategic positions around the close encounters with the fish due lagoon are “cleaning stations”, to its friendly nature and inquisitive managed by the cleaner wrasse, personality. a small blue and white fish. The cleaner wrasse waits for the other RAYS fish to pass through this area, It is well documented that Manta Rays when they do they will pause while will actually seek out and play around the cleaner wrasse passes over their Scuba Divers and Snorkellers making body eating ectoparasites and mucus diving or snorkelling with Manta Rays a off the fish. The cleaner wrasse will truly unique experience. actually enter the mouth and gill cavities of some of the larger fish to MAORI WRASSE complete a more thorough job. This distinctive fish has thick fleshy lips and a bump that juts out from its forehead. What it lacks in looks it makes up in personality. Fig 1: Anatomy of a coral polyp showing the location of zooxanthellae (Image source Encyclopedia Britannica)

THE FORMATION AND GROWTH OF CORAL REEFS

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest rich, sunlit areas are able to deposit structure made by living animals, their limestone skeletons 2 – 3 times however, the builders are amongst faster than those that don’t undergo the smallest and simplest of photosynthesis. It is this limestone organisms. These animals are coral skeleton that gives the coral polyps and each one resembles an colonies their rigid framework. upside-down jellyfish. The polyps When corals actively feed as consist of a simple cup shape body opposed to obtaining their food with an opening surrounded by a through photosynthesis, the polyp ring of tentacles at the top. extends it’s tentacles into the water There are a number of different column. Each tentacle is armed with varieties of coral however only one stinging cells called nematocysts. particular type, the scleractinian or Certain groups of the stinging cells their spawning. This process takes hard coral, is responsible for building ensnare the prey while others will place in Spring just after sunset coral blocks or bommies. paralyse it. The struggling prey whilst the moon is full. The tides need to be at their weakest so drift Coral polyps have a special activates other cells which aid in is minimal. This spectacular event symbiotic relationship with a tiny passing the prey to the mouth. The was only discovered in 1982 and plant or algae called zooxanthellae. polyp will catch minute zooplankton overcomes the problem of uniting These single-celled algae are (a combination of microscopic sperm and eggs from sparsely usually only found in corals growing organisms and larvae). separated colonies. 30 degrees north and south of Corals show great inventiveness in the Equator, where the water This form of reproduction is sexual their reproductive abilities and it’s temperatures are warmer. It is as opposed to asexual in which the quite possible that many modes this algae that gives the coral its colonies “bud” off new polyps. of reproduction are yet to be different colours. discovered. The most common form A living would not be This microscopic algae lives inside of reproduction – coral spawning, complete without the encrusting the coral’s tissue and it uses the is also the mechanism that allows coralline algae which cements the sun’s energy to photosynthesize, for greatest dispersal and genetic colonies together. Beneath ledges a process in which organic carbon is mixing. This annual occurrence is and in crevices lay countless animals produced. Between 95 – 98% of this one of the reefs most dramatic such as bryozoans, soft corals and carbon leaks from the algae and is events. The difficulties involved in sponges. This unique environment a valuable food source for the coral external fertilisation of corals have supports an amazing array of fish polyp. Additionally, those corals in led many colonies to synchronise and other vertebrates. CORAL BIOLOGY CORAL IS MADE UP OF Over 600 different species of corals The third group of corals are the CALCIUM CARBONATE are present on the Great Barrier boulder. These include brain and Reef. Due to the numerous species honeycomb corals (all of which of hard corals, they are normally resemble their name) along with classified into three main groups the porites coral. On average these depending on their growth form. The corals usually only grow 3 – 4mm per first group are perhaps the most year. It is these colonies however prolific on the reef and certainly that can withstand the force of the most opportunistic. They are storms and cyclones. branching corals otherwise known REEF TYPE Hard corals all consist of a calcium as staghorn coral. These colonies The three main types of reefs carbonate or limestone skeleton. resemble the antlers of a stag deer, present in the Great Barrier Reef This skeleton is relatively porous hence their name. In ideal conditions region are ribbon, fringing and and care must be taken when these corals can grow up to 20 platform reefs. In the Capricornia 3approaching the colonies. Branches centimetres per year. These colonies region platform reefs are common. of staghorn coral are very easily are however the most susceptible Platform reefs are known for their broken and soft tissue can be 1to strong winds and storms with variety of shape and form. Some damaged if the boulder corals large branches breaking easily. This may be immense – stretching are lent on. opportunistic family of corals tend to over 22 kilometres across. In all be the first to colonise barren areas cases their geological history can with lagoons and on reef flats. be varied. Reefs can be classified according to their age and coral The second group – the plate OVER 600 growth rate. Juvenile reefs are corals, form large ‘table top’ or SPECIES OF HARD those whose coral colonies are still plate-like structures on the sides growing towards the surface. Mature of coral platforms. Many of the AND SOFT CORAL reefs have well developed reef flats plate corals belong to the same and sheltered lagoons. Senile reefs family as the branching corals but CORAL SPECIES: occur in areas in which the lagoon have dramatically different growth  STAGHORN CORALS is largely filled in with sand and forms. Plate corals grow about 8 – 10 cays may develop. Northern areas centimetres per year and provide  PLATE CORALS tend to have ribbon reefs with few excellent shelter for fish such as the  BOULDER CORALS lagoonal areas. 2coral cod and butterfly cod. FISH OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF The Great Barrier Reef supports over 1500 species of fish ranging from OVER 1500 SPECIES large predatory varieties through to delicate coral fish. A majority of the fish species are found within Lady Musgrave lagoon. Although identification may OF FISH ARE FOUND be seen daunting at first, it is possible to become familiar with the majority AT THE GREAT of reef fishes. The bulk of the fish species found on the coral reef belong to relatively few families. Below are 4 of the most common families together with BARRIER REEF identifiable behavioural themes.

DAMSELFISH BUTTERFLYFISH These fish are perhaps the most prolific of all reef Perhaps the best known of all the reef fish, the fish. They feed solely on plankton and form large butterflyfish are epitomised by their graceful swarms in the main snorkelling area. Included in this movements and intricate colour patterns. Most family are the black and white striped Sargent Majors species feed partly or exclusively on coral tissue. and the brilliant coloured Blue Chromis. Territoriality is fierce and these fish are often sighted in pairs which are thought to be lifetime bonds.

PARROTFISH CLOWNFISH Being a close relative of the wrasse, the parrotfish Clownfish shelter in the tentacles of anemones, can also display amazing colouration. It is only the immune from their hosts stinging cells. The fish and males however that are usually a bright blue or green their eggs gain protection from predators, which colour. These fish are well known for the harems they would be stung if they brushed against the anemone. form. Groups of 8-9 females with one male leader Clownfish are never found without their hosts, but the can often be observed grazing on algae and coral. anemones do not rely on the fish and can The females are normally a drab grey or brown colour live well without them. and possess the ability to change sex to a male. This change normally occurs if the dominant male in the group dies. The Parrotfish are so important to the reef because they keep the delicate balance between algae and coral in check. They’re vital in clearing algae away so that new baby corals have a clean slate to settle and grow on.

Other fish commonly encountered are angelfish, cardinalfish, gropers, surgeonfish and biennies. Fish are an integral part of any reef It is possible to hear the parrotfish unusual methods of reproduction is system with each species having an crunching on the coral whilst you are found in cardinalfish. In this instance important role to play in the entire snorkelling. the male will incubate the eggs ecosystem. For example, certain within his mouth. Behavioural feeding methods vary types of fish may harvest a specific for some of the larger carnivorous Limited information is available on type of algae. If these fish were fish species. Some fish are ambush the life span of most reef fish. It is removed and the algae no longer predators that will sit and wait for possible that sharks may live to at had any predators, then the growth their prey to swim past. Lightning least 20 – 30 years while large fish of the algae would accelerate speed is displayed as the ambush such as snapper and gropers can dramatically, smothering coral predators ensnare their prey. Other live to around 25 years. Although colonies close by. carnivorous varieties such as the certainty surrounds the longevity of There are many different feeding reef sharks tend to be open water smaller fish it is thought that species modes for reef fish and most are hunters with specialised teeth to such as Damselfish and Angelfish specialised to particular species. seize and tear the flesh of their prey. can live up to 10 years or more. Most of the smaller fish which make Reproductive methods among reef In the intermediate snorkelling area, up the bulk of the daytime reef fish tend to be quite unusual. The you will see sweetlip, coral trout, population are planktivores vast majority of reef fish are big egg silver trevally, fusiliers, humbugs, or herbivores. layers, and this usually occurs in one surgeonfish, wrasse, parrotfish A majority of damselfish hang high of two elaborate ways. and countless other varieties. Blue in the water column and pick off Linckia starfish, sea urchins and Frequently spawning occurs at dusk pieces of algae as they float past. Beche-de-mer are also plentiful. and may not only involve the male Other varieties of damselfish will Beche-de-mer aka sea cucumbers and the female but also a group vigorously defend a patch of “farm” are the dark looking sea slugs you of participating fish. The process of algae amongst the coral. This so will see on the sandy white bottom begins as both participants swim called “land ownership” comes with of the lagoon. These animals should towards the surface. Spawning the added advantage of a protected not be handled since they eject culminates as eggs and sperm are egg laying site. sticky white threads in defence. released at precisely the same time The threads aren’t too harmful but Parrotfish, surgeonfish and the fish turns and heads back to are hard to remove and can leave rabbitfish all feed on the algae that the bottom. Parrotfish, wrasse an irritating rash for a few days. As grows on rocky surfaces and coral. and butterflyfish all exhibit this kind they feed they also break down the It is impossible for these fish whilst of spawning. course sand on the lagoon floor into they are scraping the algae to Other species such as gobies, a fine sand. separate it from the coral skeleton or triggerfish and damselfish will lay rock. Therefore the parrotfish have their eggs on the bottom. Preceding evolved a beak like structure for a the spawning, the area of coral is jaw which they use to bite off pieces cleaned of any algae and detritus. of coral. Located at the back of their After the eggs have been fertilised throat are special teeth that grind one or both parents care for the the coral skeleton to a fine powder nest until hatching. One of the more which is expelled with the faeces. TURTLES

Turtle nesting season occurs along the entire length As with all reptiles, the hatching sex is determined by the of the Queensland coast on suitable beaches during nest temperature. This is known as the pivotal temp and the months of November to February. For islands of the varies from species to species. Warmer nests produce Great Barrier Reef the season is extended with laying females while cooler nests produce males. It can be commencing in mid-October and continuing through to predicted that coastal rookeries with darker sand absorb the end of March. the suns heat and produce females while Great Barrier Reef islands with their white sand reflect the sun and We are fortunate enough to have 6 of the 7 species produce more males. of sea turtles nesting in Queensland waters. At Lady Musgrave it is mainly the Green turtle that frequents the Turtle hatchlings emerge 7 – 12 weeks later and make island although Loggerhead turtles may also be seen. their way down to the sea. Hatchlings will navigate to the The Green Turtle is the second largest of the 7-species lightest part of the horizon and any artificial lights from growing to just over a metre in carapace length. the beach, will confuse them in their direction of travel.

Sea turtles make distinctive tracks as they haul Mystery surrounds the first 10 years of a turtle’s life and themselves ashore and it’s possible to distinguish each is commonly known as the “lost years”. It is thought species by their tracks. The Green Turtle moves along however that the hatchlings get caught up in the great with both flippers together in a rowing motion whereas ocean currents and float around feeding on surface the Loggerhead will move its front flippers alternatively, organisms. Once they reach the age between 7 – 12 years first left then right and so on. It is only ever female turtles they are able to actively swim against the currents and that will come ashore, males will never make their way they return to reefal areas to feed. It is at this stage they onto the beach. are around the size of a dinner plate.

During mating season, it is possible for a female to mate Studies indicate that turtles are around 30 – 35 years with several different males over a period of time. She will of age when they reach sexual maturity. It is at this time store this sperm and use it only when required. that they return to their natal beach to lay for the first time. Green Turtles are herbivorous opting to graze on Once the female is ready to lay her eggs, she’ll make her algae and seagrass while Loggerheads are carnivorous way up into the sand dunes above high tide mark. If the feeding on crustaceans, jellyfish and small fish. eggs were laid below this level, they would spoil as salt water enters the nest. The hole that she digs with her Green Turtles can weigh between 110 – 190kg while hind flippers is usually 70 – 90cm deep. She will continue Loggerheads can weigh between 70 – 170kg. The to lay between 80 – 200 eggs the size of ping pong balls. Capricorn Bunker Group of islands support one of the few It is critical that the female is not disturbed in the time remaining large concentrations of nesting green turtles she leaves the water to the time she begins laying. If the in the world. female is disturbed she may retreat back to the water often spilling her eggs on the way or in the water. Each female can come ashore 5 or 6 times during the nesting season and will usually return in 2 – 3 years time. BIRDS

Buff Banded Rails may be seen scurrying along the ground, and small, active Silvereyes feed in the trees. LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND IS Reef Egrets hunt all year on the reef flat and you may IMPORTANT AS A BREEDING also see them roosting and nestling in the trees. Many migratory waders such as Oyster Catchers visit Lady SITE AMONG MANY BIRDS Musgrave during Spring and Summer, leaving in Autumn for their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere.

The island is very important as a breeding site for seabirds. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters or Mutton Birds the nest, after hatching the parents feed the chicks nest in burrows in the forest. These burrows are located with fish. When the chick loses its down and feathers, close to walking tracks so care should be taken. Noises of the parents fill it with food and depart, leaving the chick their courtship and chicks calling fill the night during the to teach itself how to fly, thus resulting in many crash summer breeding season. From the beach at dawn you landings. Each year the mutton birds will return to the can watch their clumsy takeoffs before they soar over same place to look for the same burrow. With a little the ocean. Birds in large numbers can be seen flying out renovating the same burrow can be used for years. to sea to gather small fish, they return in large numbers The other commonly sighted seabirds are the black around 4.00pm and regurgitate partly digested food for noddies, which build messy, flimsy nests in the Pisonia their chicks. trees. Both the Mutton bird and the Black Noddy will Mutton birds dig a deep burrow, about 90cm deep, tolerate human presence, but the Roseate, Crested, usually at the base of a Pisonia tree, with the nest Black-naped, Bridled Terns and the Silver Gulls which constructed at the end of the burrow. One egg is laid in nest on the ground above high tide are easily disturbed. SHARKS MANTA RAYS

Sharks are important indicator of reef health, sign of a Manta rays are not only known for their grace and healthy reef! beauty but play an important role in ocean nutrients cycling and control plankton abundance. Top predators: if there are sharks, then there are the fish that they eat, and the fish that they eat, and the Also known as the devil fish because of the horn-like fish that they eat, and the plants that they eat, all the mouth structures called “cephalic lobes” used when way down the food chain. filter feeding. Manta rays differ from other ray species in size, distribution, feeding strategies and unlike the Sharks (especially reef sharks) are mostly scavengers, stingray do not possess a barbed tail. so they’re always looking for an easy meal. This means they ‘pick-off’ all the slow, sick fish, leaving the There are two species of manta rays; the giant oceanic healthiest and strongest to grow up and have lots of manta ray (Manta Birostris) and the smaller reef babies, passing on ‘big and strong’ genes, and keeping manta ray (Manta Alfredi). The giant manta rays have fish populations nice and healthy. This supports not a maximum wingspan of seven metres while the reef only the ocean ecosystem but also our fisheries. manta’s can reach five and a half metres.

Most people are afraid of sharks until they find Reef manta rays are found around coastal areas in themselves in the water with them for the first time. tropical and subtropical waters, mostly in the Indo- Experience can change your perceptions, so keep an Pacific. The giant oceanica mantas are a circumglobal open mind to the possibility that you may see a shark species found around the equator. at some point today. The manta ray is a filter feeder consuming large They’re not man-eaters like the movies and media quantities of zooplankton through plates called gill make them out to be (especially reef sharks!). rakers that are found in their ventral gills.

The closest most people have ever come to sharks The manta ray has few natural predators apart from before is at their local fish shop. It’s marketed as killer whales and larger sharks. However both species ‘flake’. Most shark species are on the endangered are listed as vulnerable due to human activities species list. including pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, and direct harvesting for their gill rakers for use in Using the App called the ‘Sustainable Seafood Chinese medicine. Guide’. Put any fish in and it will tell you with a traffic light system whether a fish is ok to eat or not. “Red” Manta rays are graceful swimmers but also can be = don’t eat me, our populations are suffering/low/ seen jumping out of the water, a behaviour known unsustainable, “yellow” = if you have another choice, as breaching. A group of manta rays is known as a it’s better to choose that, and “green” means go for it, squadron of manta ray. our populations are healthy and it’s a good sustainable choice. The guide helps you continue to enjoy eating fish in a conscious, responsible way. GREEN ZONES Green zones have bigger fish and more fish! They safeguard protected species.

They support fisheries and are like bank savings accounts – a supply that gets so plentiful that they overflow into places you can take from.

Imagine what the island and lagoon would look like if it wasn’t protected or managed.

We use zoning to manage the reef, but the traditional owners have managed the reef sustainably for thousands of years (through storytelling and living closely with nature).

During noddy land-mine season: Dead/dying noddies can come as a shock, probably because most of us live in cities, suburbs, or even on farms, where nature is managed, controlled or even out-of-sight. This kind of sight is completely normal and natural – it’s how nature regulates itself when it’s left completely untouched. We are so privileged to see a IT’S A PRIVILEGE place impacted so minimally TO SEE A PLACE by humans. How often do you IMPACTED SO get to see such a wild and natural site? MINIMALLY BY HUMANS REEF FACTS

1 3 At extreme low tide on the reef flat, many corals It is possible to determine the age of certain are exposed to the drying air and hot sun. So coral colonies by taking core samples. Exposing how do many corals survive this prolonged the core samples to UV light shows a varying exposure? Corals secrete a mucus coating thickness and colouration in these bands. to protect themselves and have a sunscreen The bands appear due to the fluorescence of chemical to shield them from the ultraviolet chemical compounds that were deposited in rays. Other more mobile animals retreat or move the skeleton during growth. The density and into pools at low tide while anemones fold their intensity of these fluorescent bands provides tentacles, molluscs shut their shells tightly. a measure of the environmental conditions during the main growth phase of coral. The bands may reflect the amount of freshwater run-off that the respective reef experienced in 2 the past. The chemical compounds responsible The reef is like a forest surrounded by desert. for the fluorescence of the layers are organic Tropical waters are generally poor in nutrients substances that are being washed into the sea (hence that turquoise clarity) and yet the during major flooding events. Given the long- reef itself is a very rich garden. The secret of lived nature of Porites, (may reach 1000 years of this incongruity is that nutrients are carefully age) individual colonies of this species may hold preserved and efficiently recycled. Very little a detailed environmental record dating back of value is allowed to drift away in the currents several hundred years. but any nutrient in the incoming water is quickly turned into living tissue. The resultant balance of absorption versus secretion is finely tuned — excess removal of nutrients by overfishing or the increased introduction of nutrients by some forms of pollution will tip the balance and damage the system. 2019 BEST OF QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCE AWARD WINNER

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Shop 5, 15–17 Marina Drive, Burnett Heads QLD 4670 +61 7 4151 5225 e: [email protected] www.ladymusgraveexperience.com.au

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