(CNN) – The Great Barrier Reef has “born” in its annual coral spawn, creating a symphony of colors across Australia’s landmarks.
Scientists working beneath the waves say they witnessed the event, in which corals simultaneously released sperm and eggs en masse, on Tuesday night off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, hailed it as a positive sign that the reef can regenerate despite ecological threats.
“Nothing makes people happier than a new life – and coral spawning is the world’s greatest proof of that,” said Australian marine biologist Gareth Phillips, who was in the front row at the event. this year’s coral spawning programme, said in a statement on Queensland Tourism and Events.
Philips, from the Reef Teach research center, and a team of marine biologists, divers, students and photographers dived to the bottom of the ocean to capture coral footage off the coast of Cairns, Queensland. Over the next few days, they will travel to other reef sites for filming and observation.
Condition “miracle”
Coral spawning is an annual event on the Great Barrier Reef.
Gabriel Guzman / Calypso Productions
Philips calls this year’s spawning coral monitoring in Cairns “the ultimate treasure hunt.”
“I’ve seen the corals die off all at once, but this time it seems like different species spawn in waves, wave after wave. The conditions are magical with the water like glass and the beautiful light. from the moon,” he said.
Philips said his team swam around looking for corals on the brink of spawning.
“When we found a ripe coral, we watched and it took about 30 seconds for each colony to complete spawning. It was the ultimate treasure hunt…so much fun for us. even caught the flying fish and put it in the water.”
These photos were taken during the 2021 coral spawning on Flynn Reef, off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Gareth Phillips / Reef Teach
Coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef is a concerted annual effort – for most of the year, corals multiply by splitting and dividing, but once a year, corals simultaneously release release bundles of sperm and eggs into the ocean.
“The coral larvae drift one by one until they land and settle on the seabed,” says Philips. “Reproduction takes place over several days with different species spawning on different nights.”
Annual coral spawning usually takes place from October to November, but the timing can vary due to factors such as water temperature and currents. Spawn dates can also vary according to the length and width of the 2,300 km (1,429 mi) Great Barrier Reef.
Marine biologist Gareth Philips said this year’s conditions were “miracle.”
Gareth Phillips / Reef Teach
Signs of hope
Philips said it was “delighted” to see the reef give birth, an event that coincided with Australia’s decision to begin easing some of the world’s toughest Covid travel restrictions.
“It is a strong demonstration that its ecological functions are still intact and working after being in the recovery phase for more than 18 months,” he said.
“The reef has been through its own troubles like we all have, but it’s still manageable – and that gives us hope. I think we all have to focus on the victories. when we come out of the pandemic.”
Top photo courtesy of Gareth Phillips / Reef Teach
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