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Selected Marine and Maritime Studies students were lucky enough to spend a week in the stunning Gascoyne Bioregion exploring the Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef regional areas recently.

This curriculum-linked camp saw over 50 Year 11 students snorkelling and SCUBA diving alongside the ‘big ticket’ megafauna species such as Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, and various shark species. Students were also able to see dugongs, dolphins, and humpback whales migrating along the coastline. The plethora of fish and coral species was immense, with many students able to classify them by the end of the week!

Throughout the week, students learned directly from working Marine Biologists and Ecologists about the ecosystems they interacted with. They gained a greater appreciation of the marine environment and promoted more ‘wildlife warriors’ within their generation to protect these sanctuaries for generations to come.

A highlight for many was the night snorkel, where students were able to see bioluminescent coral with the aid of UV torches, lionfish, eels, stingrays, and even a sleepy tasselled wobbegong shark! Contrasting the aquatic life from day to night was an interesting and insightful experience for many!

The students were considerate members of the Coral Bay community and showcased the values of what it means to be a ³ÉÈ˶ÌƬ’s student. We were so proud of them for stepping up! The buzz around the camp has continued as the students have returned to school, reflecting on the opportunities and learning from the week that was the Marine Studies Coral Bay Camp for 2024!

Mr Josh Andrews,
Head of Science