Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Great Barrier Reef's Most Dangerous Creatures
We all know that the Great Barrier Reef is known for many things. Its the largest living organism in the planet, it has 900 islands, it is composed of 2,900 individual reefs, it has some of the best diving spots in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to many sea creatures as well which is why before you venture into the water to wade, swim, snorkel, or dive know that beautiful aquatic animals coexist with the most dangerous animals in the reef. Knowing or becoming familiar with these animals will help you understand why there is a need to follow danger signs and the "no touch" policy.
Stingers
The Box Jellyfish which is also called Sea Wasp is one of the most deadly animals in the planet which can be found near the shores of the reef. Its toxin which can be found on its long tentacles is so strong that very few survive its sting. When someone is stung, vinegar or peeing on the spot will somehow reduce pain but should not replace medical assistance.
The next deadly stinger is the Irukandji Jellyfish which can be found at the deeper waters of the northern portions of the Great Barrier Reef but due to currents may be swept to shore. It might be small, just a few centimeter but its poison also packs a punch in that being stung can be life threatening.
There are stinging fish as well such as the Stonefish and Lionfish. Their spiny fins are toxic so avoid getting punctured as this is the way the venom is introduced into the body.
The next in our short list is the Blue Ringed Octopus so called because of the blue rings on its body is a small and the only poisonous octopus in the whole planet. You can find it on rock pools and when you try to pick it up, it will bite you with its sharp beak.
Second from the last is the Sting Rays which are really beautiful and graceful creatures but be careful with their tails that where the barbed spine is.
If you thought shells are safe think again. The are many species of Cone Shells in the Great Barrier Reef and they are found on rock pools which is why it's easy to step on them. If they feel threatened they would fire a harpoon-like dart on you that has a venom powerful enough to kill a human.
Biters
Sea snakes may be venomous but they rarely waste their toxin on something they can't eat and most of their bites are purely for self defense. You're relatively safe if you don't annoy them.
Bites by Sharks, Moray Eels, and others may be uncommon but if you are on a shark feeding dive it's best to follow instructions from the dive master.
Safety Precautions
Never ever touch anything no matter how beautiful or inviting. Teach your kids this motto because they are more likely to pick lovely but poisonous shells.
When you need to rest at the bottom of the ocean when diving shuffle the sand first with your fins to give sting rays or other creature which might be hiding in the sand, a chance to go away.
At the Great Barrier Reef there are reef education sessions before you go snorkeling or diving put them to mind lastly, always listen to your dive masters and always follow danger signs.
The Great Barrier Reef's Most Dangerous Creatures
We all know that the Great Barrier Reef is known for many things. Its the largest living organism in the planet, it has 900 islands, it is composed of 2,900 individual reefs, it has some of the best diving spots in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to many sea creatures as well which is why before you venture into the water to wade, swim, snorkel, or dive know that beautiful aquatic animals coexist with the most dangerous animals in the reef. Knowing or becoming familiar with these animals will help you understand why there is a need to follow danger signs and the "no touch" policy.
Stingers
The Box Jellyfish which is also called Sea Wasp is one of the most deadly animals in the planet which can be found near the shores of the reef. Its toxin which can be found on its long tentacles is so strong that very few survive its sting. When someone is stung, vinegar or peeing on the spot will somehow reduce pain but should not replace medical assistance.
The next deadly stinger is the Irukandji Jellyfish which can be found at the deeper waters of the northern portions of the Great Barrier Reef but due to currents may be swept to shore. It might be small, just a few centimeter but its poison also packs a punch in that being stung can be life threatening.
There are stinging fish as well such as the Stonefish and Lionfish. Their spiny fins are toxic so avoid getting punctured as this is the way the venom is introduced into the body.
The next in our short list is the Blue Ringed Octopus so called because of the blue rings on its body is a small and the only poisonous octopus in the whole planet. You can find it on rock pools and when you try to pick it up, it will bite you with its sharp beak.
Second from the last is the Sting Rays which are really beautiful and graceful creatures but be careful with their tails that where the barbed spine is.
If you thought shells are safe think again. The are many species of Cone Shells in the Great Barrier Reef and they are found on rock pools which is why it's easy to step on them. If they feel threatened they would fire a harpoon-like dart on you that has a venom powerful enough to kill a human.
Biters
Sea snakes may be venomous but they rarely waste their toxin on something they can't eat and most of their bites are purely for self defense. You're relatively safe if you don't annoy them.
Bites by Sharks, Moray Eels, and others may be uncommon but if you are on a shark feeding dive it's best to follow instructions from the dive master.
Safety Precautions
Never ever touch anything no matter how beautiful or inviting. Teach your kids this motto because they are more likely to pick lovely but poisonous shells.
When you need to rest at the bottom of the ocean when diving shuffle the sand first with your fins to give sting rays or other creature which might be hiding in the sand, a chance to go away.
At the Great Barrier Reef there are reef education sessions before you go snorkeling or diving put them to mind lastly, always listen to your dive masters and always follow danger signs.
No Acting God
I am not God and neither are you.
Only God is God, and yet....
Many people expect others to have, all the answers??
They place their problem onto someone else and expect them to make it right!
It is not nice when you are put in this situation, neither is it fair.
When others do this, it is very selfish..
After all no-one in the world has it perfect!!
Everyone has problems!!
And...praise God that it is so.
Trouble and strife keeps us humble.
The good news is:
All we can do, is put our faith in God.
All we can do is, become as a little child...
Our Heavenly Father tells us.
"My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body."
Proverbs 4:20-22
Gods Word is Truth!!
Read this over and over..
And believe.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate ME from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
Rejoice in your heart!!
Allow yourself to let this sink deep within your soul.
God has all in hand..
God says this, I believe it, and that's the end of it!
Children have NO hang-ups.
Think back, remember that time..
And trust in God.
Only God is God, and yet....
Many people expect others to have, all the answers??
They place their problem onto someone else and expect them to make it right!
It is not nice when you are put in this situation, neither is it fair.
When others do this, it is very selfish..
After all no-one in the world has it perfect!!
Everyone has problems!!
And...praise God that it is so.
Trouble and strife keeps us humble.
The good news is:
All we can do, is put our faith in God.
All we can do is, become as a little child...
Our Heavenly Father tells us.
"My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body."
Proverbs 4:20-22
Gods Word is Truth!!
Read this over and over..
And believe.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate ME from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39
Rejoice in your heart!!
Allow yourself to let this sink deep within your soul.
God has all in hand..
God says this, I believe it, and that's the end of it!
Grandchildren Shiarn of Daniella and Izaiah of Lee-Joel
Children have NO hang-ups.
Think back, remember that time..
And trust in God.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The beauty of Bleaker Island
Bleaker Island is home to three species of penguin – Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo – a large imperial cormorant colony, southern giant petrels, many smaller birds and a variety of waterfowl on the ponds. Here you may spot the rare flying steamer duck. Marine mammals are often observed offshore.
The settlement is situated in the middle of the island and still operates a sheep farm. Plenty of walking opportunities are available around the island including long sandy beaches with beautiful views. Listed as an 'Important Bird Area', the land north of the settlement is a designated national nature reserve.
Cobb's Cottage is a recently-built self-catering cottage offering cosy accommodation in the settlement.
The beauty of Bleaker Island
Bleaker Island is home to three species of penguin – Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo – a large imperial cormorant colony, southern giant petrels, many smaller birds and a variety of waterfowl on the ponds. Here you may spot the rare flying steamer duck. Marine mammals are often observed offshore.
The settlement is situated in the middle of the island and still operates a sheep farm. Plenty of walking opportunities are available around the island including long sandy beaches with beautiful views. Listed as an 'Important Bird Area', the land north of the settlement is a designated national nature reserve.
Cobb's Cottage is a recently-built self-catering cottage offering cosy accommodation in the settlement.
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