Year 10 Environmental Science students have just arrived home after an unforgettable experience exploring the Great Barrier Reef on the “Ecosystems at Risk – Coral Reef Study Tour”. A group of International students from FCC were also part of the tour group. The Environmental Science elective focuses on the Great Barrier Reef throughout the course and studies the effects of human impacts. The Coral Reef Study continues a longstanding commitment at our school to engage students in not only the study of marine ecosystems, but also to actively protect these fragile and important ecosystems. Students at our College have participated in field studies (TeachWild Marine Debris Survey) and other research that helps raise awareness of the importance of protecting marine environments and have also engaged in scientific field work working alongside scientists in this endeavour. During our week exploring the Great Barrier Reef, we all had many wonderful and unforgettable experiences that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. We were treated to some hot, humid weather, which was well appreciated after leaving Melbourne in the depths of winter. The highlights of our tour were the boat trips to Fitzroy Island on the inner reef, as well as Hastings Reef and Michaelmas Cay on the outer reef. On both these boat trips, we had the opportunity to snorkel and see the true beauty of the reef. Perhaps the “experience of a lifetime”, was the catamaran trip to the outer reef where we actually carried out an “Eye on the Reef” data collection. This involved the students assessing the health of the reef by collecting data using underwater slates to make observations of certain indicator species. This data was then uploaded to the “Eye on the Reef” web site and used by the GBR Marine Park Authority to analyse and determine whether there was evidence of coral bleaching, Crown of Thorns starfish infestation, or high water turbidity caused by nutrient runoff. All the students carried out the survey with a high level of commitment. We were also treated to some wonderful sights such as clown anemone fish, green turtles, giant clams, whitetipped reef sharks and a diverse range of colourful fish and coral of every description. The visit to the turtle rehabilitation centre at Fitzroy Island was also a highlight. It was great to see these beautiful creatures being looked after by such dedicated people concerned about their welfare, as they are at such high risk of being threatened by human impacts. The whole trip was a great success and the students involved enjoyed top quality accommodation at the Northern Greenhouse and food at excellent restaurants around Cairns. Thank you, to Maureen O’Flaherty who helped with the organisation of this tour. Michael Hardiker Organising Teacher
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