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bat fish were teaming

date: 20/7/2009
Author:Nick Brennan

Weather: Mostly sunny
Air Temp: 21.3ºC
Wind: Variable 5-10 knots
Water Temp: 21ºC
Water Visibility: 20m +
Sea State: Calm

It was another superb day of weather out in our little corner of paradise.

The glass bottom boat had a sensational time this morning sighting a pod of dolphin’s only seconds after leaving the shore. The boat continued on over the lighthouse bommies and second reef where the visibility was pristine and enormous schools of scissortail fusilier and bat fish were teaming. Guests enjoyed swimming down and immersing themselves amongst the very nonchalant fish. Green turtles provided everybody with their own unique experience, gliding casually over second reef with some of them very curious of the snorkelers. They are an incredible creature that is actually an endangered species, so it was amazing for guests to have the opportunity to swim with them.

The reef walk was a fantastic activity today with guests spotting an epaulette shark hiding under the coral with only its tail protruding. The group watched on as the tiny shark slowly moved out of its hiding place. Guests thought it looked beautiful with its leopard spot colouring and took lots of great photos. On their journey the group also saw the spectacular New Caledonian and blue linckia sea stars. The guide turned over the new Caledonian sea star very quickly and showed guests how this invertebrate feeds by exerting its bright orange stomach outside of its body. It was fascinating to watch. The cowrie shell was another spectacular find and attracted attention with its shiny almost glass-like finish. The guide explained that a lot of shells that are sold in souvenir shops are imported from the reefs of developing countries. They are not collected as shells from the beach either; rather they are harvested as living creatures and the animal is then destroyed to ensure the perfect quality of the shell. It was an eye opener for some people and some said they may think twice before purchasing such a product again.

In the evening guests came on a night stalk. They saw a whole lot of green tree frogs living close to the staff accommodation and they saw the quarterly barge that was docked at the lighthouse delivering all of the islands large items such as trucks and building materials. It was a great walk around the island and an interesting end to the day.

batfish - A Jones