26 Sep 2019
In June six senior marine studies students from Camden Haven High school and two of their teachers had the wonderful experience by visiting and conducting vital coral reef research at Lady Elliot Island as part of their Marine Studies course. This was made possible by funding from NSW Transport Grant and Camden Head Pilot Station Manager Ross Butlin.
The students would have found the cost of the trip very difficult without the funding for the flights and bus transport to and from the island. The students are extremely grateful for the amazing and life changing experiences that they have had.
The students had the experience of flying from Coolangatta, Gold Coast to the Island and spent 4 nights where they snorkelled from sunrise to sunset in the pristine waters surrounding the island. It was a mind blowing experience because the students had not encountered such an amazing diversity of corals, fish, turtles, sharks, manta rays etc etc. Importantly because this island is a Marine Park / Sanctuary Zone and a ‘no take’ zone the size and abundance of fish is world class.
The students were able to put in to practice what they had learnt in the class room about coral reef biology, ecology, conservation, management and scientific research into real world experience. Very importantly they participated in collecting data on coral health for The University of Queensland – Coral Watch Study. The University is collecting data on the health of corals across the world and the students collected information for the University on the types of corals and health status of the corals to determine if any coral bleaching events were occurring or any disease outbreaks around Lady Elliot Island. The students found the corals to be very healthy around Lady Elliot Island in comparison to a previous trip in 2017 where the corals were showing signs of stress and bleaching because of the extremely hot summer and warmer waters. The data they collected has been submitted to the University where Scientists can use the information to keep an eye on the health of the reef now and over the coming years. This made the trip ‘Education with a real purpose’ and made it very valuable and rewarding for the students.
The students also helped in the collection of plastics / marine debris that was being washed up around the island and the information was submitted to Tangaroa Blue Organisation which is collecting data to find out the amount and types of debris that is being washed up in different localities around Australia. This enables Scientists to further analyse this information.
Matthew Burgess (student) said that “The trip to Lady Elliot Island earnt its position as the best school excursion I have ever been on and has exponentially increased my desire to study Zoology as a University Degree. Thanks to the tremendous effort of our Marine Studies teacher Dr. Geronimi and the generous donation from the Pilot Station and Transport NSW, we were able to participate in this trip which allowed us to experience the marine environments we had learnt about first hand”. Matthew has applied to The University of New England to study a Degree in Zoology.
Holly Dodge (student) said “I am so grateful for such an amazing trip to Lady Elliot Island that would not have been possible without the very generous funding from the Pilot Station / NSW Transport. I was so astonished by the marine life present on the Island’s reefs. Colourful Parrotfish, Eagle Rays and friendly turtles, as well as sized reef sharks were encountered every day. It was the best school trip I have ever been on and was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I learned about many different marine species and how to survey coral health. Thankfully the reef at Lady Elliot Island is very healthy and relatively untouched by coral bleaching. A big thank-you for the funding, the experience and education I will never forget.”
The students have made a video documentary of their trip as part of their Year 12 Assessment task in Marine Studies.
In 2017 student Brooke Williams went on this trip funded by the Pilot Station / NSW Transport and she is now studying for a degree in Marine Biology at University of Tasmania!
This is the third year in a row that this trip has been made possible!