A group of very excited scuba divers with Great Adventures Cruises at Green Island were treated to a rare encounter with a young adult dugong. Estimated to be around 2 metres in length, this was the first dugong sighting recorded by Great Adventures divers at Green Island in several years. It was also the first ever sighting for videographer Dan Liu and two very lucky introductory divers on holiday from Ballarat Victoria. “It was so exciting to see! He was very curious swimming near us as the group were diving on a nearby coral bommie. He came close within about 4 metres, swimming away and then coming back for another look before swimming off over the seagrass beds,” said Dan Liu. Dugongs, often called sea cows, as they graze shallow seagrass meadows (eating up to 40kg a day!) are found across the tropical belt in Australia. They reach a length of 3 metres, live up to 70 years of age and can weigh as much as 400kg. Dugongs are fascinating mammals, sharing a common ancestor with elephants, and early sailors are believed to have confused them for mythical mermaids. They are most closely related to the manatee, their northern hemisphere relative. They resemble a large dolphin but lack a dorsal fin and have an upper lip covered in thick bristles. They are well designed for aquatic life, with nostrils situated on top of their heads so they can breathe, and have a large, strong tail that propels them through the water. Their eyes and ears are on the side of their heads. Although their eyesight is poor, they have an acute sense of hearing.” Dugong are threatened on a worldwide scale and in Australia, are a protected species under various legislation including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. This important sighting will be reported to GBRMPA’s Eye on the Reef monitoring program contributing valuable information about these endangered creatures as well as the long-term protection and management of the reef. Video credit Dan Liu, Island Photography Australia

0

0

0

337

24. September 2023. Passage between Stinica and Rab by fearless ferry

0

0

0

4,051

while we wait for spring ... @sailingwindsome7056

0

0

0

6,748

FREE GIFT to you, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3uSmHhI Join our crew on Patreon by CLICKING HERE: https://bit.ly/47Nssf6 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://bit.ly/3ta7Hv6 Sailing adventures on a budget: How to learn to sail online and set sail on a catamaran. Welcome to Navel Gazing at Camp David Shorts. Setting Sail on a Shoestring: Your Guide to Affordable Catamaran Adventures Have you ever dreamed of slicing through the waves on your very own catamaran but thought it was a privilege reserved for the affluent? Think again! Today, we're embarking on a voyage to shatter this myth, proving that with a pinch of resourcefulness and a splash of digital savvy, the open seas are truly open to all. Chart Your Course with Online Wisdom In the digital era, the art of sailing is just a click away. Platforms abound with seasoned sailors eager to share their knowledge. From the basics of knot-tying to the complex dance of the sails, online courses offer a treasure trove of sailing know-how without plundering your wallet. The Frugal Mariner's Library While the internet is a sea of information, nothing compares to the depth of a good book. Dive into 'Catamarans: The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors' by Gregor Tarjan to navigate the intricacies of catamaran sailing. Pair it with 'The Cruiser's Handbook of Fishing' by Scott Bannerot and Wendy Bannerot, and you're well on your way to becoming a self-sufficient sea rover. Seas the Day with DIY Maintenance The real secret to cost-effective sailing? It's mastering the art of maintenance. Learn to tackle the essentials of catamaran care, and you'll not only save a chest full of gold but also forge a deeper connection with your vessel. Affiliate Disclosure: In full transparency, please note that the links in this video description may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. You don't pay more when using these links, and any earnings help to support this channel. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my audience. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Thank you for your trust and support!

0

0

0

102