Journals from the week ending December 13, 1996
The Great Barrier Reef
by Nick Hurzeler
12/1/96, aboard ship...The Great Barrier Reef stretches all along the northwest coast of Australia. The reef is enclosed in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and it is protected by the administration of the park authorities. Many regulations protect the reef. No garbage of any kind can be thrown in the water by ships in this area. Also, a reef pilot must be onboard all large ships (over 70 m) when traveling through the marine park.
The park was established in the 1970s after Australians protested against oil companies that wanted to drill for oil in the area. It is thanks to those Australian citizens and the park authorities that people like us can observe this beautiful reef and do so without damaging it.
Shark-spotting
12/1/96, aboard ship...Previous to visiting the Great Barrier Reef, I thought all sharks were like the one from the movie 'Jaws'- large, vicious and with big teeth. As a result, my fear level of sharks was very high.
My view of sharks changed when we snorkeled off Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef. It was an amazing experience. As I snorkeled about in the ocean, noticing the fish and corals, a larger, gray fish swimming along the sea bottom caught my eye. I turned for a better look and caught my breath as I realized it was a shark. However, it was not nearly as scary as I had imagined a shark would be. It was relatively small, about a meter long, gray in color, and it moved slowly along the bottom. Throughout the day I saw many of these sharks and their behavior really helped to change my outlook on sharks. They were very calm and didn’t seem to have any interest in us. I still fear sharks, but I now have great respect for them too, and believe that they are truly incredible.
Dangerous Marine Organisms
by Mark Unger
11/30/96, aboard ship...While anchored off Heron Island, we were given a lecture warning us about dangerous marine organisms. The lecture occurred before our first snorkel. We learned that in general, those organisms which are most dangerous are the smallest. Reef sharks and other large marine organisms that seem scary tend to pose little risk, except if persistently badgered or threatened. The smaller organisms such as jelly fish and the blue ringed octopus are the ones to watch out for while snorkeling. Even coral, we were told, can be incredibly dangerous if proper care is not taken. We are now aware of which animals living on the reef are toxic, poisonous and venomous and that we must be careful.
Ocean Challenge / e-mail: ocean@oceanchallenge.com / Class Afloat '96-'97
(c) Copyright 1996, Ocean Challenge