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Did you know that the phenomenum of synchronous coral spawning was first observed right here on Magnetic Island? Dr David Abrego talks about why corals ‘do it’ together and how important this is for the resilience and future sustainability of coral reefs at Base Backpackers. Starts at 7pm.
More info on Coral Spawning:
Tourists flocked to the Great Barrier Reef each year to witness the annual spawning of the coral. Dubbed one of the most spectacular natural events of the year, the spawning encourages divers and snorkelling tourists to come from around the world to northern Queensland to witness it.
Anticipated somewhere from four to six nights after the full moon in November, this year the spawning took place from November 15-17. During the event, over 400 species of coral spew out clouds of tiny egg and sperm bundles in an extraordinary display that becomes a kind of feeding frenzy for marine animals.
Marine Biologist Stuart Ireland said the coral spawning helped the Great Barrier Reef to evolve.??"Coral spawning allows for the potential of cross-breeding and hybridisation, which may help the Great Barrier Reef corals evolve and become stronger," Mr Ireland said.
"By having a mass spawning event, there is a greater chance of successful reproduction and survival from the predators in the water (fish etc), that like to eat the corals' eggs and sperm.
"??Because there is so much coral spawn not all of it gets eaten and some eggs survive to be fertilised and settle, growing into a new coral colony. ??Cairns Dive Adventures that run tours to witness the spawning said: "In the torchlight this looked like cloudy waters surrounding the boulder corals.