Fast Facts

Dates

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2013

Oct

Duration

8 days

Location

Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Activity Level

Help for 'Strenuous'Strenuous

Contribution

$2995

Briefing:

Download Briefing

Essential information for the expedition - daily schedule, research area details, project conditions etc.

Amenities

  • Couples Accommodations
  • Electricity
  • Flush Toilets
  • Hot Running Water
  • Research Station

More Information

This is a SCUBA diving expedition.

SCUBA Diving Requirements
Earthwatch Australia diving standards have been developed to fully comply with the Australian Standard for Scientific Diving (AS/NZS2299.2-2002). This allows joint diving operations between Earthwatch teams and other scientific organisations.

To take part in an Earthwatch Australia diving project you must register as an Earthwatch Australia Research diver and meet the following requirements:

  • Hold at least an Open-Water diver certification from a recognised diver training agency
  • Have a working familiarity with the short form DCIEM Air Decompression Tables (training can be provided)
  • Supply an occupational diving medical from a medical practitioner in Australia appropriately trained in underwater medicine stating that the diver is fit to dive using compressed air, as well as noting any limitations imposed by the doctor. This medical must be dated within 12 months of the start date of the expedition and include a chest X-ray. For a list of diving doctors see www.spums.org.au or contact the Earthwatch Australia Diving Officer at earth@earthwatch.org.au
  • Have logged at least 30 dives since completion of the Open-Water dive course, with at least one of those dives logged within six months of the start date of the expedition, and in waters similar to those of the planned dive (see expedition briefing).
  • Dive insurance
  • If intending to use his/her own SCUBA equipment the diver must supply evidence to verify that it is in current test and/or service

On the Expedition



Dive into one of the Great Barrier Reef's most spectacular sites - the fringing coral reef surrounding Orpheus Island - to help us better understand the emerging threats facing this landmark site.

Coral diseases are reported to be one of the most significant threats to tropical coral reef ecosystems and an increasing prevalence of disease has been detected along the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef (GBR). By joining this expedition you will be at the forefront of international research into coral reef disease by helping to assess;

  • how the reef is recovering from recent cyclones
  • any seasonal dynamics that may exist
  • the role of light, temperature and water quality on disease progression.

Working across a variety of dive sites you will conduct underwater surveys tagging and photographing diseased areas, which will then be monitored over time to assess the condition of the coral. In the aquarium you will set up and conduct experiments that measure light, temperature, pH and nutrients of the water.

About the Research Area

Located 1189 km (739 miles) northwest of Brisbane, Orpheus Island is only 11 kilometres long and approximately one kilometre wide, most of which is national park dominated by eucalypts with patches of rainforest and grassland. Exploring this unique marine park you’ll find an unusually wide variety of reef habitats, clam gardens as well as submerged indigenous sites and recent shipwrecks. 

Part of the Palm group of islands and within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Orpheus Island offers secluded, sheltered bays, spectacular fringing reefs and stunning scenery.