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Ive been to Airlie / port Douglas every couple years for a decade, it’s unbelievable how incredible the place was and how it just isn’t now. First couple times
by aplummer 8y ago
Ive been to Airlie / port Douglas every couple years for a decade, it’s unbelievable how incredible the place was and how it just isn’t now.
First couple times was exactly like Finding Nemo, now it’s a barren wasteland (and this is going to spots that are supposed to be better). Beaches in QLD still best in the world if you’re visiting, give the diving a pass or manage expectations unless you’re quite south
- somishere 8y agoBarren wasteland is a bit far fetched, not sure which sites you are visiting off Port/Airlie but most of the tourist operator sites are still in fairly good shape, except maybe low Isles i.e. not pristine but they remain some of the best in the world and worth a visit. Lots of endemic species/corals etc. Which isn't to say there isn't a problem, the reports are correct, the signs are there, and repeats of the bleaching events of the past few years will definitely lead to the wasteland you describe (as seen in areas of the gbr and many of the other Pacific and american reefs). The original numbers were 90% of the reef had died, what this actually meant was that of all the sites surveyed 90% showed some sign of bleaching - which basically means stress due to heat exposure. The death bit comes later when the coral doesn't have time to rejuvinate.
- aplummer 8y agoAnd that’s the thing maybe it’s great comparative to the rest of the world, but not itself. Was with tour operators in 2015 so youd think it was the good spots, going again in a month so hopefully looking ok.