All Maritime News and Travel: Tourists flock to Great Barrier Reef for annual coral spawning

16 November 2011

Tourists flock to Great Barrier Reef for annual coral spawning

News.com.au -

One of the most spectacular events of the year is set to take place next week, with the annual coral spawning predicted to occur in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef from November 15 to 17.

Every year about four to six nights after the full moon in November the corals spew out clouds of tiny egg and sperm bundles in one of natures most extraordinary displays.

While spawning can be difficult to predict, Fantasea Adventure Cruising marine biologist Emily Smart believes that this year, the nights of November 15, 16 and 17 are the most likely.

"It usually occurs in November after the full moon, creating a feeding frenzy among other marine creatures,'' she said.

"Because there is so much coral spawn, not all of it is eaten and some eggs will survive to be fertilised and settle on a reef, growing into a new coral colony.''

Scuba divers and scientists from around the world are flocking to Far North Queensland in anticipation for the event.

For the first time, Fantasea will cruise to the reef allowing guests to experience night snorkelling or scuba diving during the spawn.

It is planning to cruise to its Fantasea Reefworld pontoon on Hardy Reef, 80km from the mainland.

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