Conditions have been pretty ugly lately. Weather gods lured us into a false sense of security with sunny skies, only for Mother Nature to saturate us with heavy rain. Luckily, these temperamental conditions haven’t stopped divers from experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns dive boat Passions of Paradise reported average conditions at The Wall, with 15 metres visibility. Divers were able to see a rare Striped Sea Snake, as well as a Blue Spotted Ray right next to the bommie. There were also many Trevally and moon wrasse around, probably preparing themselves for the reef’s unique coral spawning activity.
Although coral spawning has been a bit slow to start this winter, Lionfish breeding seems to be in full swing. Dive Instructor Aaron told of a feisty experience duringa pleasure dive at Gary’s Bommie on Hart Reef recently, where a nesting Triggerfish very aggressively defended its territory. Angus’s group of divers had apparently begun investigating two VW sized bommies that were totally surrounded by baitfish. In between the bommies was a patch of coral only two feet high, and across that seemed to be the nesting ground of a rather mean Triggerfish. Its sanguine environment suddenly invaded, the Triggerfish became very angry once it saw the divers. New dive guide Harold was first to venture under the fish’s dominance, causing the Triggerfish to swim back and forth very aggressively before charging at Harold seeming to go straight for his jugular. Harold had to quickly roll onto his back and put his feet between himself and the enraged fish. The fish continued it’s attack until Harold could hastily retreat as his fellow divers decided to swim around the area. This adventure definitely left Harold and Anthony with an underwater adventure they’ll talk about forever!
Apart from the regular whimsical New Years resolutions to eat better, lose weight, and save more money, why not think about a promise to learn something new, or to explore a different location. Consider making Cairns scuba diving the new challenge. Maybe take the opportunity while school holidays are here to get the kids certified. Make that promise NOW! Happy New Years everybody! Safe diving to all.
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