Reef Report for October 2007

The month of October on Australia's Great Barrier Reef saw calm seas, light winds and beautiful sunny weather. Many days were described as magic reef days by our guests and staff alike. Divers and snorkellers enjoyed perfect visibility of 20 meters plus. These lighter weather conditions are perfect for non-swimmers to become legend snorkellers!

The advent of seasonal, warmer sea temperatures around 26° Celsius encouraged the fish to commence spawning (breeding). Parrot Fish, Wrasses, Coral Trout, Cuttlefish, Trigger Fish, and giant Sweetlips measuring over one meter were seen in great abundance at Haba’s diving and snorkel sites on the Great Barrier Reef throughout the month of October.

The warmer water always creates interesting times for coral reefs. We have to respect the fish as they spawn by limiting any impacts on our various dive and snorkel sites. The fish require space in their need to perform their spawning dance.

It was simply marvellous to see turtles at Bashful Bommie with 30 metres of visibility as well as spawning Groupers, Peacock Coral Cod, Rock Cod, Blue-spotted Cod. The flashes of brilliant colours of Fusilier contrasted with a visit from a vibrantly colored Steep-head Parrotfish always patrolling boundaries and its territories.

Encounters with four whales, three barramundi and six big coral cods all in one site provided what was described by locals and Haba staff as "The best day ever experienced on the Great Barrier Reef!"