While the spectacular tropical coral reefs such as the Great Barrier reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in the west are well known, the reefs of southern temperate Australia are, truly unique.
Australia's many millions of years of geographical isolation means our reefs and marine environment have developed in response to an uncommon combination of environmental forces, therefore it is not surprising the marine life of Southern Australia contain a multitude of species found nowhere else on earth!
The southern reefs support a greater diversity of marine life (especially flora and fauna). No wonder researchers call this region Australia's Unique South.
For example,
85% of the temperate fish species
95% of the species of molluscs
90% of the species of sea stars or sea urchins
are unique to temperate Australia, and many of these species are reef dwellers at some stage of their life cycle.
Being so close to a major suburban coast line and accessible via the Pt Noarlunga Jetty the Noarlunga Reef is exposed to an amazing amount of human impact (particularly in the warmer months). This direct human impact is in the form of fishing, reef walkers, divers, snorkelers and the like.
While the more insidious "unseen" effects on the reef are the coastal out flows that drain into our gulf and bring with them nutrients and sediments and waste products. The Noarlunga area is immediately affected by the Christies Beach Sewage Outfall, the Onkaparinga River and local storm water outlets.
The Noarlunga Reef is such a fantastic resource to the present community and future generations that it is important for us to monitor its health, and to this end Southern Ocean Divers must acknowledge the generous input of the Onkaparinga Council Grant , assisting divers with this ongoing survey. |
