How do we know that in the back lagoon at Myrmidon Reef there are some massive bolder corals – immovable, representing layer upon layer of calcium carbonate laid down year after year, back more than 300 years. And so healthy; in various shades of … [Read more...] about Largest Coral Colony, Part 2. Inaugural Megafauna Expedition, September 2024
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Return to Myrmidon, Part 1. Inaugural Megafauna Expedition, September 2024
How is it that Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is still one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and visible from outer space. How is it that we can revisit the corals at Myrmidon Reef – an ancient, detached platform existing beyond the barrier … [Read more...] about Return to Myrmidon, Part 1. Inaugural Megafauna Expedition, September 2024
Successful Inaugural Megafauna Expedition
We are just now back from the inaugural Megafauna Expedition, with the MV Sea Esta docking at the Townsville breakwater marina yesterday. What a privilege, to see so much coral, so many fish all the way to the Garden of Porites at Myrmidon Reef. A … [Read more...] about Successful Inaugural Megafauna Expedition
Biological Realities – What Matters (Part 1)
The Humphead wrasse, Chelinus undulatus, is the largest extant member of the family Labridae. Males are typically larger than females and can reach over 2 meters in length – weighing up to 190 kg. Females rarely grow larger than one … [Read more...] about Biological Realities – What Matters (Part 1)
Denying the Most Precious – Natural Cycles (Part 1)
Is it possible to ever celebrate regrowth, without first acknowledging injury? For sure it can happen, coral reefs can bleach, and they can be destroyed by cyclones – and they can regenerate. John Brewer reef as an ecosystem was approaching climax, … [Read more...] about Denying the Most Precious – Natural Cycles (Part 1)
Anemones Push Through Collapsed Corals
Many of the hard corals fringing the Keppel Islands bleached stark white last summer. Specifically, the fields of branching Acropora spp. went stark white. This was likely caused by a combination of high-water temperatures, low tides and no wind. I … [Read more...] about Anemones Push Through Collapsed Corals