Volunteer divers needed to survey Great Barrier Reef coral and help assess climate chnge impacts
Media Release
13 January 2012
One of the Great Barrier Reefs most spectacular and
diverse marine habitats, the fringing reef surrounding Orpheus Island, is at
risk from rising sea temperatures.
Earthwatch Australia has developed a new research project
‘Recovery of the Reef’ together with the Australian Institute of Marine Science
and is calling on volunteer divers to work with scientists to assess the
growing prevalence of coral disease on
this landmark site.
Richard Gilmore, Executive Director, Earthwatch Australia
says “volunteers will get to experience this unique marine park filled with an
unusually wide variety of reef habitats, clam gardens as well as submerged
indigenous sites and recent shipwrecks, while helping scientists understand
more about the factors influencing the health of coral reefs.”
“It’s a great way to experience something different,
while making a difference to this important World Heritage Site.”
Dr David Bourne, Research Scientist from the Australian
Institute of Marine Science, says “the research will review how the reef is
recovering from recent cyclones and how such extreme physical stress on the
reef systems influence coral disease outbreaks. The ongoing research will also
assess the seasonal dynamics of coral diseases and the role of other ecosystems
stresses such as light, temperature and water quality on disease progression.
“Working across a variety of dive sites volunteers will
conduct underwater surveys tagging and photographing diseased areas, which will
then be monitored over time to assess the condition of the coral.
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. 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.
The first Recovery of the Reef team kicks off on 12 March
and runs through until 19 March, with a second team to follow on 30 August,
2012. To sign up call Earthwatch on 03
9682 6828 or visit earthwatch.org.au
Media Enquiries:
Sara Davis
Earthwatch Australia
Head of Marketing Communications
Ph: 03 9682 6828
Mobile 0421 357 354
Online coverage:
- Herald Sun - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study
- News.Ninemsn.com.au - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study
- News.com.au - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study
- AAP - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study
- The Australian - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study
- WA Today - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study
- Australian Science - Divers needed for research study
- Australian Geographic - Divers wanted for Great Barrier Reef Study