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green turtles out at second reef
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date: 13/7/2009
Author:Nick Brennan
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Weather: Sunny
Air Temp: 22.9ºC
Wind: NW 5-10 knots
Water Temp: 21ºC
Water Visibility: ~ 10m
Sea State: Calm
Our freshly trained open water divers (Congratulations guys!) had a terrific morning out at the blowhole with the main attraction some cruising sharks. The main two species were the silvertip reef shark with its brilliant silver trimmings and the grey whaler. Both of these species have the traditional scary looking shark shape but both pose little threat to humans unless they are provoked. These sharks today had no intention of any trouble and were quite happy just going about their business. It was a great opportunity for our guests to observe them and we are sure they will take home an awesome story for their friends.
The glass bottom boat enjoyed some time with a few green turtles out at second reef. They were happy to hang around for a little play with guests before disappearing under a coral ledge for a snooze. The guide explained that they are actually able to hold their breath for four hours, shutting off their metabolism and being adapted to live with high concentrations of carbon dioxide in their blood stream. The coral trout was another great looking fish seen out on the reef today. This large carnivorous fish is often seen lurking beneath coral ledges with a menacing look on its face. Unfortunately on the Great Barrier Reef they are a heavily targeted eating fish so that look might be one of fear. We are lucky here at Lady Elliot all of our fish are protected by the Green Zone meaning they are safe as houses. We think they are much more beautiful in the water than served on a dinner plate and we think you’ll agree!
In the evening guests enjoyed a game of reef bingo in the balmy night air. It was a great game that everybody got involved in and by the end there was a good amount of laughter. It brought everybody close together and afterwards people exchanged their stories about the day’s events.
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Green Turtle - J Howard
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