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Monday - Finding nemo
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date: 29/9/2008
Author:Laura Smith
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CONDITIONS
Weather: Sunny, warm and windy | Air Temp: 25°C | Wind: NW/N 10/15 knots | Water Temp: 23°C | Water Visibility: ~ 25 m | Sea State: Choppy with wave break on western side, calm on eastern side
ISLAND LIFE
Critter Encounters:
Waters on the western side of the island were choppy today with the arrival of westerly winds, so glass bottom/snorkel boat tours ventured to the calmer eastern side of the island. Many young guests were excited to recognize many of the fish favourites that featured in “Finding Nemo”, including Nemo (anemonefish), Dory (Palette surgeonfish), Gill (Moorish Idol)… even Crush and Squirt (green turtles)! One green turtle was seen relaxing on a coral bed on the seafloor. When sea turtles are actively swimming around, they usually surface to breathe about every 10-15 minutes. Turtles resting like this one, however, are not using as much oxygen so they can stay underwater for up to 4 hours!
SCUBA divers took advantage of fantastic conditions at Hiros Cave and The Blowhole today. Dive instructors Mark and Adam reported excellent visibility inside Hiros Cave. They also noticed some new Gorgonian fans, evidence of new recruitment. These beautiful brightly coloured corals are often host to many fascinating marine invertebrates, including sea spiders and brittle stars.
Children on today’s reef walk made a game of finding interesting animals, tallying points amongst each other with such excitement as they spotted glossy tiger cowries, bright blue Linckia sea stars, sea urchins, and a multitude of dazzling clams. One young guest found a lovely Sailor’s Eyeball algae. This alga is just one turgid cell – it is one of the largest single cells that alone is also a whole organism.
The afternoon Whale Update was perfectly timed today. Guests were seated at the Beachfront Café overlooking the lagoon while they chatted about the fascinating lives and behaviours with a resident marine biologist. At this time of year, migrating humpback whales are often seen just beyond the wave break of the reef flat, giving guests and staff a wonderful display as they dine. Lo and behold – as we were seated there casually chatting about these very creatures, there they appeared! “Inspirational creatures” was how one guest described them as we watched them breach on the horizon, sending up huge white-water splashes into the air.
Special Guests:
Welcome to Porirua College! A group of students arrived today, and will be learning about tourism and the Great Barrier Reef during their stay.
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Clam - Laura Smith
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