Reef Check Australia EcoDiver Survey Report from the Sunshine Coast

Submitted by Misa Nisawara

After four months of high seas, strong winds and plenty of rain, the Reef Check Australia team eagerly set out to survey Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island, a site we visit annually and last surveyed in April 2023.

We were happy to discover a relatively small amount of coral bleaching at this particular Mudjimba Island site, with only 5% of the overall population bleached. However, those bleached colonies were heavily impacted, with an average of 60-70% bleaching. We also recorded a number of bleached anemones without fish. This is the first time bleached anemones have been documented at this site, illustrating the changes in the environment over time.

At Mudjimba shallow reef, a mix of hard corals, soft corals, rocky substrate and algae provides habitat for many species, from small invertebrates to larger animals. For instance, we recorded nudibranchs, a lobster, wobbegong sharks blending into the reef floor and a sea turtle feasting on algae. If devastating bleaching was to occur at a mass scale at Mudjimba Island, it would affect all these creatures who call this reef home. Sadly, we also recorded entangled fishing line and boat anchor damage on both hard and soft corals.

As a new member of Reef Check Australia, this was my in-water training day to become a scuba surveyor and a Reef Check EcoDiver. The instructor was very knowledgeable and made it a very fun experience for the whole team. I am very excited for my upcoming journey with Reef Check Australia.