A Morning on the Reef

On a clear morning in Queensland, Eli and his aunt joined a small boat trip to a coral reef. Before they left the shore, their guide, Jo, reminded everyone to keep a safe distance from the coral and never touch the animals. Eli slipped into the water wearing a mask and snorkel. Sunlight reached through the surface, making patches of the reef shimmer. A school of silver fish swept past him, then disappeared behind a coral ledge. Near the sandy seabed, a sea turtle moved its flippers slowly as it searched for food. Jo pointed out a strip of seagrass where a dugong had recently been feeding. Eli could not see the dugong, but he noticed that some of the seagrass was bent and flattened. Jo explained that dugongs eat seagrass and need healthy coastal habitats to survive. After the swim, Eli asked how visitors could help protect the reef. Jo suggested choosing reef-safe sunscreen, taking rubbish home and following guides’ instructions. On the boat ride back, Eli thought about the hidden dugong and the many creatures depending on the reef. He decided to share Jo’s advice with his class.

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