Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s resident marine biologist and Living Reef manager, John Gaskell, is so impressed by the diversity of marine life found around Daydream Island that he decided to document it in a new book, Beneath Daydream Island.
Daydream is located just off Queensland’s Whitsunday Coast and only a two-hour boat ride from the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Gaskell said that Daydream has a rich diversity of marine life immediately off the island supported by a complex fringing reef habitat.
“You can view much of this by simply snorkeling around the island or by scuba diving,” Mr Gaskell said.
“If you’re experienced then a night dive reveals a whole other world of animals and colour.
“The fringing reef off Daydream is one of the healthiest ecosystems in the Whitsundays.”
There is a combination of tropical species found throughout the inshore and outer reefs and a diversity of life comparable to some of the densest Australian marine habitats.
From tiny coral polyps to seasonal humpback whale visits, most major marine animal groups are represented here. This includes corals, reef fishes, sea turtles, crabs, shrimps, octopuses, sea stars, sharks and rays.
Some of the amazing marine animals to be found include sea snails, sea jellies, marine worms, sea cucumbers, surf parrotfish, honeycomb cod, and everyone’s favourite, red and black anemonefish – commonly known as clownfish.
“One of the more spectacular events we’ve witnessed here at Daydream is the coral spawning which occurs each year in late spring at night, roughly four days after a full moon,” Mr Gaskell said.
“The stony corals around Daydream have such a high density which makes for a spectacular sight. The spawning can be compared to a silent underwater snowstorm where millions of pink, yellow and white specks rise slowly to the surface.”
Mr Gaskell took all the images in the book during his many diving and snorkeling trips around the island.
“This book was produced in the hope that many others will be inspired to experience Daydream Island’s wonders first hand,” he said.
Beneath Daydream Island can be purchased at any retail outlet on Daydream Island for $20.
For more information on Daydream Island Resort and Spa visit www.daydreamisland.com