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Thursday - Guests had seen the solar plant from the air

date: 15/1/2009
Author:Nick Brennan

CONDITIONS

Weather: Sunshine | Air Temp: 29.2°C | Wind: SE 20/30 knots | Water Temp: 26°C | Water Visibility: ~20 m | Sea State: Calm

ISLAND LIFE

Critter Encounters:
Today the weather was beautiful so everyone was keen to get wet!

A juvenile green turtle that was having a bit of a scratch on the coral below was seen quite unexpectedly through the glass bottom boat. Everyone screeched with amazement at the sight and were very eager to jump in. The guide on board the boat also explained to the guests about cleaning stations and how they operate with the cleaner wrasse. Once back on the boat several people said they had observed the cleaner stations in action and marveled at the scene.

The divers saw some very graceful eagle rays that were quite interactive and didn’t seem to mind having people around at all. They also headed out to Lighthouse bommie where the Manta Rays’s have been so consistently sighted lately. Within only a few minutes the Manta’s showed up and turned what was a great dive into an incredible one.

The turtle talk was awesome today and had a really good turn out. Everybody in the room had seen a turtle either in the water or coming up to nest in the night which was fantastic. The questions they had demonstrated that there is a genuine concern for their well being and survival. It was a really positive experience.

The Island Discovery also had some switched on guests with great questions. Guests had seen the solar plant from the air and were interested to hear that it has cut the Islands greenhouse emissions by 60% and agreed that it is a fantastic initiative especially because the surrounding reef environment will be one of the area’s to be worst affected by climate change.

After dinner guests kicked back and watched the documentary “Australia’s Greatest Islands” with Lady Elliot Island featuring. It was a great way to relax after a big day of learning and discovery.

Green Turtle - Jess Howard