Coral spawning marvel is witnessed in Whitsundays
DAYDREAM Island's resident biologists were witness to one of the world's natural wonders last month - the annual coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef.
This amazing phenomenon, which usually resembles an underwater snowstorm, occurs when hard coral polyps simultaneously release egg and sperm into the water column to increase the chance of fertilisation.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa's Living Reef Manager, John Gaskell, said island biologists had seen the spectacular sight while diving in the waters off the island.
"The annual coral spawning is an event that has to be seen to be believed," he said.
"The Great Barrier Reef coral spawning is often referred to as the biggest reproductive phenomenon on earth. We're incredibly lucky to see such a rare event." Mr Gaskell said the annual coral spawning always occurred a few days after the full moon in November or December, around two to three hours after dark, when most of the day predators were less active.
He said researchers had predicted there would be another spawning event on the Great Barrier Reef about four days after the December full moon this Saturday
