Every summer, it now seems, is a nail-biting one for the health of our coral reefs.  And so it was this summer at Lizard Island.  Over a period of about 25 days from 21^st December water temperatures were consistently above 29.5 degrees, dangerous temperatures for corals.  By early January, corals were showing signs of bleaching, the earliest observed there in any year, and the fourth bleaching event in the past six years.

Fortunately, nearby cyclones influenced local weather patterns by cooling and shading waters and mortalities were not as widespread as initially feared.  In an enlightening if not alarming post below, LIRS co-director Dr Anne Hoggett shares her observations about this summer’s bleaching at Lizard Island. 

The easing of interstate travel restrictions has enabled more researchers to access the Station. Research projects supported over summer months have included ongoing research into effects of microplastics, parasites of reef fishes, coral spawning, a coral shading project and further work into testing new methods for the early detection of Crown-of-thorns starfish.  Station usage is still not at full capacity and we eagerly await the return of international researchers, a body that traditionally makes up about a third of all visiting researchers.  

In the coming month work gets underway to upgrade the Station’s solar power infrastructure, a significant project that will see the Station source up to 95% of its power needs from solar.    

After sixteen years as a dedicated Trustee, including six as a most capable and effective Chair, David Shannon has stepped down from our Board.  David’s dedication and contribution to the work of the Foundation has been immense and we extend a heartfelt thank you to David, and to the support of his wife Daniela.  They remain Life Members and, when time allows, David has indicated his willingness to continue to write and edit science stories for our supporters. 

With travel within Australia the norm for now, we’d like to remind our LIRRF members (those who donate more than $1000 in the last 12 months) that they qualify for a 20% discount on a stay of 3 or more nights at the luxurious Lizard Island Resort.  We thank Delaware North, the Resort’s operator, for this generous discount and please contact us for more details.

We hope you enjoy the below posts.  With the frequency and intensity of coral bleaching set to continue, it’s critical we reduce greenhouse gas emissions as warming waters and changing ocean chemistry are fast changing our reef ecosystems.  There is an urgency to better understand and, as best we can, conserve what we have.  To that end, the research undertaken by scientists at the Station has never been more important.  On behalf of my Fellow Trustees, I thank all our donors for enabling these important projects to continue. 

Best wishes,

Kate Hayward
Chair - LIRRF