As reported in yesterday's Sydney Morning Herald, the annual mass spawning of
coral reefs along the Dampier Archipelago, Ningaloo Marine Park and Abrolhos
Islands off the West Australian coast is anticipated to take place for four days
from March 27 2011.
As those who have watched the David Attenborough documentaries that have
featured this event will appreciate, there is an intimate connection between
the timing of the spawning and the lunar cycle.
Whether that qualifies corals as being astronomers of a sort, I will allow the
individual reader to contemplate.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Sydney Morning Herald
Department of Environment and Conservation marine science program leader Chris Simpson said the event occurs over the period of the lowest tidal range, seven to 10 nights after the full moon.
"This fascinating event in the coral reproductive cycle looks something like a pink underwater snow storm, and it attracts many divers and photographers each year," Dr Simpson said.
"The coral spawning usually occurs at night, usually on an ebbing (tide), beginning about an hour after sunset and continuing for two to three hours."
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Story here -
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/sp...324-1c81u.html