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Still optimistic of spotting more turtles we were up walking along the beach at sunrise although the only thing we found was old tracks in the sand, so we headed for an early breakfast.
With it being our final day on the island we decided to indulge ourselves in the sunshine and relax for a couple of hours.
Unfortunately time passed by far too quickly and it was soon time to join the tour of the research station situated next door to the holiday resort, although they still keep their clocks set to mainland time for working purposes.
Set up in 1950 as a hut and a research tank the University of Queensland run site can now accommodate up to 180 guests, including large high school trips. With various tanks and laboratories two key advantages of having this facility situated on the reef is the direct supply of sea water and avoiding the transportation of samples to the mainland. We were both thinking whether we could become honorary marine biologists to stay a few nights longer!
After learning a little bit about the type of experiments and simulations they are running to model climate change and the
impact on the ocean we headed for the touch tank. The first thing we got to hold was a Sea Star, and after being shown it's vascular feet we saw how they flip themselves over if they are upside down. The Burnt Sausage Sea Cucumber was the next bizarre animal we saw; and Will nearly mistakenly ate! Our guide the showed us how some Coral has the ability to communicate danger to its neighbours when all the tiny heads withdrew within a split second of touching one. There was also some Turtle Grass with a Turtle Grass Crab living in it. Contrary to it's name, it has been confirmed that Turtles don't eat this algae, although the lone crab will fiercely protect it's patch from another crab. We also saw a Hermit Crab, but it was pretty shy so no pictures.
Moving to the aquarium we learned the name of the Gobi fish as it was something we'd seen a lot of during our snorkeling adventure the day before! Fortunately there were a couple of eager kids on this tour as well so Will didn't have to worry about asking too many questions unlike normally!
Choosing to learn
more about the reed we decided to go on a reef walk, and after a quick warning about the dangers of Stone Fish and the Cone Shell that can kill you with its poisonous harpoon we were tentatively making our way out in the low tide and borrowed reef shoes (old trainers donated!). The first thing Jess out guide showed us was a Sea Snail that had eery eyes poking out and a strange claw used for flipping over or stabbing Jo with! Next we saw some Brain Coral growing out of the water causing it the effected area to change colour due to the distress. We also got to see how Long Black Sea Cucumbers protect themselves from predictors when Jess picked one up as it produces a kind of string like sticky goo that will block a fishes gills or eyes. The next discovery was a Baler Shell/Snail much to Jess's delight as it was the first shed seen in nearly a year of working on the Island. Keen to show us how things survive on the reef Jess picked up a Sea Hare that squirted out a pinkish die in defence. Walking back to the resort we
saw a quick glance of a ?Manta? that posses a kick capable of knocking fish out and punch holes in coral, so we avoided trying to catch it!
Back on dry land and full from another lunchtime feast we walked out on the ferry channel wall to see the wreck of the HMS Protector closer, although as it was a very slippery walk and the current the shallows still quite strong we settled for a quick picture half way out. As we started to walk back we spotted the flash of Black Tip Reef Shark only a meter away which caused a little concern based on our close encounter from the day before, so we shimmied back to the beach as quick as we could!
Having seen and learnt enough for the day we kicked back in the sun loungers with a beer whilst being entertained by the rails, who were completely fearless and happily drank our drinks if given the chance.
Hoping to see some turtles in the evening we headed back early for a quick shower before combing the beach before watching sunrise from the boat harbour, although unfortunately it appeared the whole island had
the same idea, but we did see turtles and jumping rays again before heading for dinner.
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