LIFE IN THE OCEAN AROUND MAGNETIC ISLAND
From pristine tropical beaches and fringing reefs, to sea grass beds and mangroves, the marine environments around Magnetic Island, and the species they support, are varied and colourful.
On the southern and western sides of the Island, dugongs feed on extensive sea grass beds. Turtles nest on the northern and south-eastern beaches, and whales frolic with their young in our island waters during their long travels up the east coast of Australia.
The sea grass beds are particularly diverse, with eleven species found. Thirteen unique combinations of sea grass species, depth and bed environment have been mapped around the Island.
On the southern and western sides of the Island, dugongs feed on extensive sea grass beds. Turtles nest on the northern and south-eastern beaches, and whales frolic with their young in our island waters during their long travels up the east coast of Australia.
The sea grass beds are particularly diverse, with eleven species found. Thirteen unique combinations of sea grass species, depth and bed environment have been mapped around the Island.
AN ARRAY OF CORALS, GIANT CLAMS & FISH
In 1981, at Geoffrey Bay, on the south eastern side of Magnetic Island, scientists discovered that many coral species reproduce on the same few nights each year. The discovery revolutionised coral research.
If you visit the Geoffrey Bay or Nelly Bay Snorkel Trails, you'll also discover the giant clams and other corals and fish that habitat in and around the water of Magnetic Island. Just remember to pick up a Snorkel Trail card which will give you more information on each species.
If you visit the Geoffrey Bay or Nelly Bay Snorkel Trails, you'll also discover the giant clams and other corals and fish that habitat in and around the water of Magnetic Island. Just remember to pick up a Snorkel Trail card which will give you more information on each species.
Photos: Ben Chapman
Help us build the Magnetic Island Environmental Resource Centre!
ECOSYSTEMS | GEOLOGY | WORLD HERITAGE |
BIRDS | BUTTERFLIES | FROGS & TOADS | LIFE IN THE OCEAN | PLANTS | WEEDS | MAMMALS | REPTILES | SPIDERS & INSECTS
BIRDS | BUTTERFLIES | FROGS & TOADS | LIFE IN THE OCEAN | PLANTS | WEEDS | MAMMALS | REPTILES | SPIDERS & INSECTS
