What to do
1. Each person should pick up a handful of sand from the beach.
2. Look carefully through the sand and try to decide what it is made of. Disi uss
and share information. Where do you think all the "bits" came from? How did
they get here?
3. Walk out from the beach across the reef flat towards the reef edge where you
should see water breaking and some large coral boulders.
4. Look for changes as you walk out:
•
Notice changes in water depth.
•
Notice changes in material you tread on as you walk out: is it sandier
close to the island or close to the reef edge? Walk carefully in the coral
zone to avoid hurting the coral or yourself.
5. Look for colour variations; listen for sounds.
6. Pick up and feel the textures of animals such as a sea-cucumber, a blue sea
star, a sea hare.
7. Stand still for a few minutes, then use a coral viewer or face mask to look into
a pool. Is anything moving about?
8. Try to distinguish between hard coral, soft coral and algae. feel each one with
your gloved hands.
9. Can you find four types of corals which look different?
Caution
Octopus
Wobbygong
10. When you reach the outer edge of the reef, carefully lift a few boulders and
observe the variety of life and colour beneath these drab-looking boulders.
Always return the boulders to their original positions. Organisms on boulders
left upside down will quickly die.
11. Look down over the reef crest at the sea. What do you see? How does it make
you feel? Look back at the cay.
12. Observe the tide situation. It may be beginning to come in again.
13. Walk back to the beach in your own time but be aware that the tide may be
coming in.
14. When you get back either write down or discuss with your group:
•
your two outstanding impressions from the reef walk
•
whether the reef was as you expected
•
where the easiest and most difficult places to walk were
•
your favourite animal.
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