Kimberley Coastal Survey

Accompanying a group of marine biology experts on a reef study is akin to having your own personal phalanx of tour guides. Each of them full of specialist knowledge about the myriad marine life you see whilst inspecting the reef. Or should I say, the marine life you don’t always know you see – whereas under the practiced eye of a marine biologist, small marine animals that you may have assumed were non-descript rocks or idle reef detritus, are deftly pointed out as unique and beguiling species of molluscs, crustaceans or worms. Like exploring the beach-side rock pools as a kid, at low tide the exposed reef systems off the Kimberley coast offer a smorgasbord of marine life as you pick your way carefully across the rocky surface and peer hopefully into each new rock pool – there’s a seemingly never-ending amount of habitats to explore, before all too quickly the tide starts its return and everyone makes their wading way back to the nearby boat.

Researchers busy with noses to the reef – every site has something new and exciting to offer.

Photo by Phil Tucak

Image copyright of WA Museum