coral spawning
GREAT BARRIER REEF CORAL SPAWNING
Coral Spawning
Coral spawning Is the Great Barrier Reef’s biggest event of the year!
Each year, around the full moon in November, the world’s largest reproduction event happens along the Great Barrier Reef. Let’s dive in further to find out more.
What is coral spawning?
In simple terms, coral spawning is the reef having sex. Coral polyps simultaneously release egg and sperm bundles that they’ve spent months growing into the ocean for external fertilisation. This happens in a mass event annually often affectionately named the world’s largest orgasm on the world’s largest organism.
Once a year corals simultaneously release eggs and sperm bundles (spawn) into the water. These bundles then rise slowly to the surface where the fertilisation process begins. If successful, the fertilised eggs will settle on the ocean floor, eventually developing into coral.
“It’s literally just an eruption that lasts for 20 minutes to a half an hour, where the whole Great Barrier Reef just has sex, with coral polyps releasing. Clams go. Sea cucumbers go. Starfish go. Everything just goes. It’s literally a mass orgy. It’s the biggest sexual event on the planet. It’s an amazing thing to go snorkelling or diving in.” – Gareth Phillips, Marine Biologist
The burst of colour and billions of coral babies born is a positively vibrant sign of life on the Reef. “It is gratifying to see the reef give birth.” Adds Mr Phillips.
The aftermath of coral spawning can be sighted over the next couple of hours to a few days.
Once the bundles have been released, they rise to the surface where fertilisation begins. Fertilised eggs develop into coral larvae which, when mature enough, settle on the ocean floor and repopulate the Reef.
Please note that outer reef dives are for certified divers with recent dive experience of minimum 20 dives. Outer reef dives involve drift diving and free ascent and descent with no mooring lines.
Image Credit: Gabriel Guzman Calypso Productions
When does coral spawning happen?
While marine scientists can predict a rough timeframe, no-one knows exactly. While nature is never a guarantee, the experts rely on several environmental cues and are predicting two possible mass coral spawning events on the Outer Reefs this year. Spawning is expected to occur 2-6 days after the full moons in November or December and about 2-3 hours after the sun sets.
It only happens at night, when most plankton feeders are sleeping; this gives the eggs a greater chance at survival. The water needs to be above 26ºC for the whole month prior, and the seas need to be calmer. Scientists still don’t know what triggers the event, but tell-tale signs appear 20-30 minutes before it occurs.
How you can witness it for yourself:
To be in the best position to see this rare event, book an overnight dive package with Lady Musgrave Experience and spend the night on Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon.
After a day of diving adventures, retreat back to Lady Musgrave HQ and sleep on the reef. The pontoon is nestled in the calm waters of Lady Musgrave Lagoon where you can enjoy a three-course meal prepared by our onboard chef and unbeatable views. Choose from two or three days of unforgettable diving adventures.
What’s Included:
- Morning and afternoon tea on transfers
- Sustainable souvenirs of Lady Musgrave Experience coffee keep-cup and re-usable water bottle
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and three-course dinner
- Daily outer reef diving and a dusk/night dive in the lagoon
- Tanks and weights
- Accommodation on Lady Musgrave HQ
- Snorkel equipment to snorkel in Lady Musgrave Island Lagoon
Upper Deck Island View Queen Glamping Bed
(TWIN SHARE – PER PERSON):
Private Queen-size glamping bed on the upper deck with 360 degree reef views. Glamping beds are suitable for either individuals or couples.
Male and female bathroom facilities with private cubicles for hot showers. Linen and towels included.
Store your personal items in the lockable underbed storage. Headboard shelf for storing items that need to be easily accessible during the night.
Twin Share
1 night / 2 days / 5 dives
1 night twin-share accommodation
Twin Share
2 nights / 3 days / 8 dives
2 nights accommodation
Upper Deck Island View Queen Glamping Bed (SINGLE):
Single
1 night / 2 days / 5 dives
1 night single accommodation
Single
2 nights / 3 days / 8 dives
2 nights single accommodation
Coral Spawning Bookings
Book your Coral Spawning experience with Lady Musgrave Experience for an unforgettable natural phenomenon! Witness the breathtaking spectacle of coral reproduction in the Great Barrier Reef, guided by experts. Don’t miss this rare and incredible event – reserve your spot today and be part of this awe-inspiring marine experience.