Coral spawning season begins on Daydream Island

Daydream Island’s resident biologists were witness to one of the world’s natural wonders last week – the annual coral spawning in the Great Barrier Reef.

The amazing phenomenon, which usually resembles an underwater snowstorm, occurs when hard coral polyps simultaneously release egg and sperm into the water column to increase the chance of fertilisation.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s Living Reef Manager John Gaskell said island biologists had seen the spectacular sight while diving in the waters off the island.

“The annual coral spawning is an event that has to be seen to be believed,” he said.

“The Great Barrier Reef coral spawning is often referred to as the biggest reproductive phenomenon on earth. We’re incredibly lucky to see such a rare event.”

He said the event always occurred a few days after the full moon in November or December, around two to three hours after dark when most of the day predators were less active.

Large spawning events on Western Australia's reefs usually occur in autumn, while large events on the Great Barrier Reef usually occur in late spring or early summer.

Mr Gaskell said researchers had predicted there would be another spawning event on the Great Barrier Reef approximately four days after the December full moon.

Daydream Island Resort and Spa is located in Queensland’s tropical Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, only a 30-minute boat ride from Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) and a 30 minute ferry ride from Airlie Beach.

The award-winning resort features 296 rooms and suites, a great selection of restaurants and bars, lagoon swimming pools, a fringing coral reef to explore and a Rejuvenation Spa offering health and beauty treatments.

There are over 20 free guest activities, which include kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, a stingray and shark feeding show and an open-air cinema.

For more information visit www.daydreamisland.com

ENDS Media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs