DANGERS
ON THE REEF.....Don't
let the beauty fool you.
The reef has many species of marine life
that can be potentially fatal to humans. Hazards abound that
you should know about before venturing out. We have listed
some here.
As with most dangers, if you take the right precautions and
are aware of them, you can take steps to minimize the impact
of the danger and still enjoy all the wonderful beauty of the
reef. The specialised dive
operators will take all precautions necessary to ensure
you have a safe and rewarding day out on the reef.
Irukandji Jellyfish click
for more info
Unlike Chironex fleckeri (Box Jelly Fish), Irukandji are found mostly in
the deeper waters of the reef, although they may be swept inshore by
prevailing currents. Divers and snorkellers are particularly at risk.
Box Jelly
Fish.
(click
for more info)
Possibly one of the most
dangerous creatures on the reef. The box jelly fish gets
its name from the shape of its body. A box-shaped bell
with clusters of tentacles extending from each corner. It
has the potential to inflict fatal stings to humans. Found
mainly around river mouths and muddy shadow water, they
rarely inhabit the reef islands. "Stinger
Season" is from November through to March. All
swimmers on the beaches are encouraged to swim within
specially provided "Stinger Enclosures"
Blue Ringed Octopus
(click
for more info)
With a beak
that can penetrate a wet-suit, they are one little cute
creature to definitely look at BUT Don't touch. The
blue-ringed octopus is the size of a golf ball but its poison
is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes. There's
no known antidote.
Residing in rock pools and coral, the blue ring octopus'
rings will "glow" an electric blue when provoked or
is on the defense. This is when it is most dangerous,
especially to children, as it looks very pretty and
harmless.
Cone Shells
(click
for more info)
Cone shells look very
pretty, but several types are known to be very dangerous
to humans. The venom of some contains the most potent
neurotoxins known to man.
Lion Fish
(click for more info)
Lion-fish have venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds. Fatalities, however, are rare. The fish have elongated dorsal fin spines and enlarged pectoral fins, and each species has a pattern of
zebra like stripes.
Stone Fish (click
for more info)
With 13 dorsal spines that
release a poisonous toxin when pressed, the Stone fish can
inflict excruciating pain and possible death to the
unwary. They dwell on stony, muddy bottom areas. Visitors
walking on the beaches (especially at low tide) should
always wear covered shoes with a sturdy sole.
Sea Snakes
Approx 15 species of sea
snakes can be found on the reef. ALL OF THEM PRODUCE
LETHAL VENOM. Having small fangs, they are not normally
aggressive. There have been no reported deaths from sea
snakes, however they should still be treated with respect.
-
Stingrays (click
for more info)
Fatalities reported from
stingray deaths are few and far between. Barbs on the
stingrays' tail whip up when trodden on and can inflict
serious lacerations and deep wounds. Tetanus is also a
possibility if the wound becomes infected.
- Read an
entertaining article from veteran diver and marine
photographer, Walt Deas on marine animals and things to
watch for whilst diving
the reef.>>>
