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Australian cruise passenger dies during onshore expedition

P&O Cruises have confirmed an Australian passenger has died during an onshore expedition in Vanuatu. The cruise line made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the passenger passed away during a Pacific island stop at Mystery Island, one of the stops included on the Pacific Adventure journey. The passenger's cause of death has not been disclosed. “P&O Cruises Australia can confirm a guest of Pacific Adventure has tragically passed away while in port at Mystery Island, Vanuatu,” a P&O spokesperson told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/world/po-australia-passenger-dies-ashore-vanuatus-mystery-island-during-pacific-adventure-journey-c-12028678" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “We extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones and are doing everything we can to support them during this difficult time." “As we are working with the relevant authorities and to protect the privacy of the family, it would be inappropriate to comment further." This incident is now the second time a cruise ship passenger has died on Mystery Island in a few months time, with an Australian Carnival Cruise Line passenger dying amid their nine-day South Pacific journey in May, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed. At the time of the incident, a passenger told 7News that the guest died while snorkelling. “Carnival Cruise Line is deeply saddened by the death of a guest on Mystery Island, following what appears to be a medical situation while swimming,” Carnival Cruise Line said. Image credits: P&O

Travel Trouble

Why waterfall season is the best time to explore the Kimberley

Australia's Kimberley coast, often described as one of the world's last true wilderness regions, beckons adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. With its rugged coastline and untamed landscapes, this remote corner of Australia offers a unique small ship cruising experience like no other. Coral Expeditions specialise in taking guests on an unforgettable journey through this ancient and captivating region, exploring its highlights with expert guidance in landscape, nature, wildlife, culture, and history. <h3>Unparalleled access to the Kimberley Coast</h3> Coral Expeditions’ small expedition ships are your ticket to getting up close and personal with the Kimberley's wonders. The beauty of this region lies not only in its pristine wilderness but also in its inaccessibility by larger vessels. <img style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Kimberley-Shower-at-King-Cascade-Prince-Regent-River-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> <h3>Xplorer Tender getting guests up close for a waterfall shower at King Cascade</h3> Every season in the Kimberley has its own unique charm, but there's something truly spectacular about the waterfall season. After a big wet season, the waterfalls come to life in spectacular fashion, cascading down ancient cliffs and creating a mesmerising natural spectacle. <h3>The Kimberley Coast: A natural wonderland</h3> Beyond waterfall season, the Kimberley coast boasts over 2,500 islands, each with its own story to tell. The contrast between the rugged shoreline and the crystal-clear waters is a sight to behold, and it's an experience that is vastly different from exploring the Kimberley's inland areas. Coral Expeditions takes you on a journey where you'll witness the Kimberley's coastline in all its glory, revealing hidden coves, ancient rock art, and an abundance of wildlife along the way. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Xplorer-Tenders-exploring-Porosis-Creek-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Xplorer Tenders exploring Hunter River It’s amazing to realise that over three decades ago, when Coral Expeditions made the first exploratory expedition cruises into this stunning region, their crew had to rely purely on hand-drawn “mudmaps”, the knowledge of local fishermen and the insights of early explorers to navigate the vast and unpredictable coastline. Today, armed with decades of experience instilled in their team of in-house experts, detailed maps, tidal charts and extensive landing notes, Coral Expeditions possess a level of knowledge that cannot be matched in the region. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Guests-disembarking-the-Xplorer-at-Lumbarni-Island-5-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Guest disembarking the Xplorer tender during daily shore excursions Now, Coral Expeditions invites you to join them on a classic <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/?utm_source=OverSixty&utm_medium=Native+Article&utm_campaign=KIM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10-night Kimberley expedition</a>. Witness the power of nature at the magnificent King George River and its towering twin falls, explore ancient rock art with expert guides, and witness diverse marine life and cascading waters at Montgomery Reef. Later in the season, you may also see the majestic Humpback Whales on their migration north to breeding grounds. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Thrill-Zodiac-rides-through-Horizontal-Falls-30-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Guests enjoying a thrilling zodiac ride through Horizontal Falls Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels; cruise the Prince Regent River to the “hanging garden” King Cascade waterfall; view the Kimberley landscape by air on a scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost); enjoy sunset canapés and drinks on the beach as dusk settles over the Kimberley, and so much more. <h3>Unique Xplorer Tenders</h3> All Coral Expeditions ships are equipped with a fleet of excursion tender vessels to simplify travelling ashore and enjoying water-based activities. The Xplorer Tenders with comfortable padded seating are very easy to board directly from the deck, while the unique hydraulic system gently lowers the craft into the water. On-board, a microphone and speakers allow the guides to share their expert commentary, an overhead canopy protects guests from the sun – and there is even a toilet for remote exploring convenience! <h3>30 years of expertise and passion</h3> What sets Coral Expeditions apart is their unrivalled experience in the Kimberley region. With more than 30 years of exploring this wilderness, their crew possesses unsurpassed knowledge and a deep passion for this land. They are not just guides but also storytellers, sharing the secrets of the Kimberley and creating a connection between you and this ancient landscape that is truly unforgettable. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/09/Mitchell-Falls-04.05.23-O60.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Guests admiring the view across to Mitchell Falls When you embark on a Kimberley cruise with Coral Expeditions, you're not just taking a holiday; you're embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Coral Expeditions is committed to providing unparalleled experiences and dedication to preserving the pristine beauty of the Kimberley, making Coral Expeditions your ideal partner for exploring this remarkable corner of Australia. Don't miss your chance to be part of the next Kimberley expedition with Coral Expeditions. Visit their website <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/the-kimberley/the-kimberley-cruise/?utm_source=OverSixty&utm_medium=Native+Article&utm_campaign=KIM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to learn more about upcoming cruises and begin your journey into the heart of Australia's last true wilderness. All Images: Coral Expeditions. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Coral Expeditions.

Domestic Travel

Expedition cruises - and what you should know before boarding one

It’s crucial to do your research before embarking on any new adventure, and New-Zealand based travel writer Sue Halliwell has drawn on her 15 years of cruise ship expedition experience to unpack such a trip, and the importance of coming prepared. I once took two New York socialites shoe shopping in the small New Zealand port of Napier. Both women had boarded our expedition cruise around New Zealand and its sub-Antarctic islands at Auckland with high heeled shoes as their only footwear, and by Napier it was evident that ‘elegant and elevated’ was actually a liability on nature walks, beach landings and a pitchy ocean. As the sole female on the ship’s expedition team, I was assigned the job of getting them adequately shod, discovering as I did that they also lacked warm gear and rain jackets. In fact, our A-listers appeared to know little about the nature of an expedition cruise on any level. While watching sperm whales off the South Island coast some days later, one asked me if, “these creatures live all their lives in the ocean?” adding “surely they come to land to give birth?” She looked incredulous when I set her straight, a reminder that appreciation of the natural world is a journey we each take at our own pace. They were the wives of two even higher profile Americans who were also aboard, and I’m picking the lads booked the cruise. First in line for every off-ship excursion and kitted out in top notch outdoor gear, these guys were onto it. But, somewhere the inter-spouse memo had gone astray, their other halves arriving better prepared for a traditional floating city, casino and cabaret cruise experience. They won’t be the first or last to make that mistake. So, what should our society gals have understood about an expedition cruise, and how might they have adjusted their expectations and packing lists had the memo actually reached them? Also known as an adventure or eco cruise, the Travel Industry Dictionary defines an expedition cruise as “typically aboard a smaller vessel, with an emphasis on the natural habitat of exotic destinations and responsible tourism. The term also implies a relatively expensive cruise with onboard experts in the ecology of the destination and a certain level of rigour, such as in Antarctic cruises.” Translated, that means you’ll be discovering coasts less travelled and their unique wildlife, landscapes and people. The ship will be small enough to nudge close to shore yet sizeable enough to handle mighty oceans. It will likely carry fewer than 200 passengers, and close to that number of crew, ensuring up-market service, dining and accommodation. Expedition cruise companies place great emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel, and protecting the natural and cultural environments visited. Indeed, many team with organisations such as National Geographic to present high quality environmental expertise, education and experiences, and actively support conservation and social projects in their target locations. As you would expect of sumptuous travel to remote destinations with the rarest of nature and best of guides, expedition cruises don’t come cheap. These are bucket list holidays at the apex of cruising, so unless money is no object, it pays to make the most of their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Full participation in an expedition cruise involves taking all the off-ship excursions offered, although how actively you participate is up to you. With relatively low passenger numbers, most onshore excursions divide into manageable groups ranging in capability from fitness fanatics to snail’s pacers. Each group is shuttled between ship and shore – or around the coast – on inflatable zodiacs, and accompanied by experienced expedition team members to ensure their members remain safe and informed. These off-ship activities will be trip highlights, and you make the most of them by being prepared. As our American ladies learned, that includes being suitably dressed. Appropriate attire differs by destination, but the general rule is comfortable and activity-capable. Your gear doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does need to do the job - especially in cold climates like Antarctica or the Arctic, where not dressing appropriately can put you and others at risk. Check the packing list on your cruise website or brochure, and if there isn’t one, ask. Likewise find out whether large but essential items such as polar jackets and gumboots are supplied, to free up valuable suitcase space. Throw in a few dressier outfits for dinner, although bow ties and sequins went down with the Titanic. Nowadays, the expedition cruise dining dress code tends toward smart casual, and the after-dinner entertainment is equally low key. Don’t get me wrong, there will be plenty of evening fun for those wanting it; however, after a day of wild and wonder-filled activity, followed by drinks and dinner, most passengers prefer rocking to sleep with the waves to rocking around the clock. Unless you are a New York socialite for whom dancing the night away in designer get-up may be the reason for booking a cruise. However, our ladies were different people now and about to teach me an important lesson. Until I met them, I held to expedition cruises being the preserve of nature lovers, photography nuts, eco-travellers, science boffins and adventure freaks; you were made for them or you weren’t. But, as the cruise neared its end and the New Yorkers and I dined together in wild sub-Antarctic weather, a particularly impressive southern ocean swell upended both their wine glasses into my lap. As happens occasionally on a polar ocean cruise, the captain directed us to our cabins to ride out the storm, and as we lurched from the dining room one of my dinner companions drawled to the other, “Hey, I’d much rather go upstairs and watch those albatrosses skim these waves!” The expedition cruise had done its job. Wherever these ladies sat on the nature appreciation continuum on boarding the ship, they were much further along it now. I was impressed by their efforts to make the most of a situation they obviously hadn’t expected and, who knows, they might even deliberately book an expedition cruise for their next vacation. At least they now have the gear. Images: John Cardiner, Doug Gould [supplied, used with permission]

International Travel

Using a dental scanner on corals like a “magic wand”

Dr Kate Quigley’s trip to the dentist might have revolutionised coral reef research. The intra-oral dental scanner her dentist was using turned out to be the perfect thing for scanning baby corals and learning critical information about their growth. “Baby corals and teeth are actually not too different. They’re both wet,” says Quigley, now a senior research scientist at the Minderoo Foundation. “Which might not seem like a big deal – but if you’re scanning something, that creates diffraction. […] Having tech that can work in a wet environment and handle a texture that’s wet, is actually really important.” There are a few other things that bring dental scanners and coral together, too. “The properties of teeth and baby coral skeletons are very similar. They’re calcium-based, slightly different, but similar enough that the resolution of the laser was tailored to coral skeletons, just by accident,” says Quigley. While conducting research at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University, Quigley managed to get one of the tooth-scanning devices she’d seen at the dentist (the ITero Element 5D Flex), and test it on corals. Quigley has published a description of the new method in Methods in Ecology and Evolution. Monitoring coral growth is key to restoring and preserving it. “Growth and survival are really the currency of any monitoring program. It doesn’t matter what organism you’re looking at,” says Quigley. But it’s very difficult to monitor the growth of corals – because of their shape and size. “How most coral growth studies are done is really just taking 2D flat images. And that works really well when the coral is really young, say a month or two months, because they’re like little flat pancakes,” says Quigley. As they grow, corals develop very complex three-dimensional structures. Scanning these structures is time-consuming, and often destructive: the coral has to be killed in order to be scanned. The dental scanner takes quick, harmless scans and uses AI to combine the images into a 3D picture almost immediately. “Instead of taking all day and into the night, it takes two minutes,” says Quigley. It also provides better detail. “Baby corals start off really small. They’re almost invisible,” says Quigley. “Being able to measure those really fine scale differences, smaller than a millimetre, was also really important.” Quigley describes the scanner as “effectively a magic wand”. So far, the scanner’s been shown to work in a lab (at AIMS National Sea Simulator) and in the field – on a boat above the water. Unfortunately, it’s not waterproof enough to take diving. Yet. Quigley hopes it will become a regular tool used by coral researchers and restorers. “If we are thinking about scaling up reef restoration in the future we’re going to need a way to measure and monitor these individuals more effectively. It wouldn’t be sustainable if it’s one individual a day.” Quigley says that this discovery demonstrates the importance of thinking laterally. “In science I feel like there’s less and less room to just be creative anymore,” she says. “This has been a really interesting time for me – to dabble in dentistry and look at all the tech that’s available and may be useful in conservation.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/coral-dental-scanner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Ellen Phiddian. Images: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Record coral cover doesn’t necessarily mean the Great Barrier Reef is in good health (despite what you may have heard)

In what seems like excellent news, coral cover in parts of the Great Barrier Reef is at a record high, according to <a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/information-centre/news-and-stories/highest-coral-cover-central-northern-reef-36-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new data</a> from the Australian Institute of Marine Science. But this doesn’t necessarily mean our beloved reef is in good health. In the north of the reef, coral cover usually fluctuates between 20% and 30%. Currently, it’s at 36%, the highest level recorded since monitoring began more than three decades ago. This level of coral cover comes hot off the back of a <a href="https://theconversation.com/another-mass-bleaching-event-is-devastating-the-great-barrier-reef-what-will-it-take-for-coral-to-survive-180180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disturbing decade</a> that saw the reef endure six mass coral bleaching events, four severe tropical cyclones, active outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish, and water quality impacts following floods. So what’s going on? High coral cover findings <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-lot-of-coral-doesnt-always-mean-high-biodiversity-10548" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be deceptive</a> because they can result from only a few dominant species that grow rapidly after disturbance (such as mass bleaching). These same corals, however, are extremely susceptible to disturbance and are likely to die out within a few years. <h2>The data are robust</h2> The <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/4747/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great Barrier Reef spans</a> 2,300 kilometres, comprising more than 3,000 individual reefs. It is an exceptionally diverse ecosystem that features more than 12,000 animal species, plus many thousand more species of plankton and marine flora. The reef has been teetering on the edge of receiving an “in-danger” <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-declaring-the-great-barrier-reef-as-in-danger-only-postpones-the-inevitable-164867" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing</a> from the World Heritage Committee. And it was <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-australias-most-important-report-on-the-environments-deteriorating-health-we-present-its-grim-findings-186131" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently described</a> in the State of the Environment Report as being in a poor and deteriorating state. To protect the Great Barrier Reef, we need to routinely monitor and report on its condition. The Australian Institute of Marine Science’s long-term monitoring program has been collating and delivering this information since 1985. Its approach involves surveying a selection of reefs that represent different habitat types (inshore, midshelf, offshore) and management zones. The <a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/monitoring-great-barrier-reef/gbr-condition-summary-2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest report</a> provides a robust and valuable synopsis of how coral cover has changed at 87 reefs across three sectors (north, central and south) over the past 36 years. <h2>The results</h2> Overall, the long-term monitoring team found coral cover has increased on most reefs. The level of coral cover on reefs near Cape Grenville and Princess Charlotte Bay in the northern sector has bounced back from bleaching, with two reefs having <a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/AIMS_LTMP_Report_on%20GBR_coral_status_2021_2022_040822F3.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than 75% cover</a>. In the central sector, where coral cover has historically been lower than in the north and south, coral cover is now at a region-wide high, at 33%. The southern sector has a dynamic coral cover record. In the late 1980s coral cover surpassed 40%, before dropping to a region-wide low of 12% in 2011 after Cyclone Hamish. The region is currently experiencing outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. And yet, coral cover in this area is still relatively high at 34%. Based on this robust data set, which shows increases in coral cover indicative of region-wide recovery, things must be looking up for the Great Barrier Reef – right? <h2>Are we being catfished by coral cover?</h2> In the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s report, reef recovery relates solely to an increase in coral cover, so let’s unpack this term. Coral cover is a broad proxy metric that indicates habitat condition. It’s relatively easy data to collect and report on, and is the most widely used monitoring metric on coral reefs. The finding of high coral cover may signify a reef in good condition, and an increase in coral cover after disturbance may signify a recovering reef. But in this instance, it’s more likely the reef is being dominated by only few species, as the report states that branching and plating Acropora species have driven the recovery of coral cover. Acropora coral are renowned for a “boom and bust” life cycle. After disturbances such as a cyclone, Acropora species function as pioneers. They quickly recruit and colonise bare space, and the laterally growing plate-like species can rapidly cover large areas. Fast-growing Acropora corals tend to dominate during the early phase of recovery after disturbances such as the recent series of mass bleaching events. However, these same corals are often susceptible to wave damage, disease or coral bleaching and tend to go bust within a few years. Inferring that a reef has recovered by a person being towed behind a boat to obtain a rapid visual estimate of coral cover is like flying in a helicopter and saying a bushfire-hit forest has recovered because the canopy has grown back. It provides no information about diversity, or the abundance and health of other animals and plants that live in and among the trees, or coral. <h2>Cautious optimism</h2> My <a href="https://theconversation.com/almost-60-coral-species-around-lizard-island-are-missing-and-a-great-barrier-reef-extinction-crisis-could-be-next-163714" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a>, published last year, examined 44 years of coral distribution records around Jiigurru, Lizard Island, at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef. It suggested that 28 of 368 species of hard coral recorded at that location haven’t been seen for at least a decade, and are at risk of local extinction. Lizard Island is one location where coral cover has rapidly increased since the devastating 2016-17 bleaching event. Yet, there is still a real risk local extinctions of coral species have occurred. While there’s no data to prove or disprove it, it’s also probable that extinctions or local declines of coral-affiliated marine life, such as coral-eating fishes, crustaceans and molluscs have also occurred. Without more information at the level of individual species, it is impossible to understand how much of the Great Barrier Reef has been lost, or recovered, since the last mass bleaching event. Based on the coral cover data, it’s tempting to be optimistic. But given more frequent and severe heatwaves and cyclones are predicted in the future, it’s wise to be cautious about the reef’s perceived recovery or resilience. This article originally appeared on The Conversation. Image: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Couple book non-stop cruises for two-and-a-half years

A couple who missed out on the joys of cruising during lockdown are now bunkering down and cruising non-stop for two-and-a-half years. Jessica and Marty Ansen left Brisbane on Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess on June 16 for the beginning of their exciting adventure. They have previously sailed on 31 cruises with Princess with a whopping 1,173 days at sea and when the resumption of cruises they were ready to get started again. From now until August 2024, the loved up couple will be holidaying on the high seas and on a staggering 53 different cruise ships! “Cruising offers the ultimate holiday experience. You go onboard, you only unpack once, and you have all this amazing entertainment, exceptional food, great company and you can see the world. And, the crew deliver incredible service - that’s why we cruise,” they said. The Ansens booked their two years of back-to-back cruises (795 sea days) - including two round-the-world cruises in 2023 and 2024 – with Brisbane-based family-owned travel agency Clean Cruising. Martine Hero, the Senior Consultant at Clean Cruising, said the Ansens had always been passionate about cruising and were keen to be back on the water again. “For the last two years Marty frequently mentioned all he and Jessica wanted to do was to go cruising again,” he said. “Since the announcement of the resumption of cruising we have had an influx of interest and bookings, including those of the Ansens. “This extended trip has been in the works for a long time, as have those of many other cruisers. “We want to thank our cruise fans for their patience as we get them back doing what they love most.” Image: The Today Show

Cruising

Artificial intelligence tool learns “song of the reef” to determine ecosystem health

Coral reefs are among Earth’s most stunning and biodiverse ecosystems. Yet, due to human-induced climate change resulting in warmer oceans, we are seeing growing numbers of these living habitats dying. The urgency of the crisis facing coral reefs around the world was highlighted in a recent <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/the-reef/reef-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> that showed that 91% of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef had experienced coral bleaching in the summer of 2021–22 due to heat stress from rising water temperatures. Determining reef health is key to gauging the extent of the problem and developing ways of intervening to save these ecosystems, and a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool has been developed to measure reef health using… sound. Research coming out of the UK is using AI to study the soundscape of Indonesian reefs to determine the health of the ecosystems. The results, <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470160X22004575?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published</a> in Ecological Indicators, shows that the AI tool could learn the “song of the reef” and determine reef health with 92% accuracy. The findings are being used to track the progress of reef restoration. “Coral reefs are facing multiple threats, including climate change, so monitoring their health and the success of conservation projects is vital,” says lead author Ben Williams of the UK’s University of Exeter. <div class="newsletter-box spai-bg-prepared"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p193163-o1" class="wpcf7 spai-bg-prepared" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form mailchimp-ext-0.5.61 spai-bg-prepared init" action="/technology/artificial-intelligence-reef-song/#wpcf7-f6-p193163-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="init"> <input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page spai-bg-prepared" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/" aria-invalid="false" /> </form> </div> </div> “One major difficulty is that visual and acoustic surveys of reefs usually rely on labour-intensive methods. Visual surveys are also limited by the fact that many reef creatures conceal themselves, or are active at night, while the complexity of reef sounds has made it difficult to identify reef health using individual recordings. “Our approach to that problem was to use machine learning – to see whether a computer could learn the song of the reef. Our findings show that a computer can pick up patterns that are undetectable to the human ear. It can tell us faster, and more accurately, how the reef is doing.” Fish and other creatures make a variety of sounds in coral reefs. While the meaning of many of these calls remains a mystery, the new machine-learning algorithm can distinguish overall between healthy and unhealthy reefs. Recordings used in the study were taken at the <a class="spai-bg-prepared" href="http://www.buildingcoral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project</a>, which is restoring heavily damaged reefs in Indonesia. The study’s co-author Dr Tim Lamont, a marine biologist at Lancaster University, said the AI method provides advantages in monitoring coral reefs. “This is a really exciting development,” says Lamont. “Sound recorders and AI could be used around the world to monitor the health of reefs, and discover whether attempts to protect and restore them are working. “In many cases it’s easier and cheaper to deploy an underwater hydrophone on a reef and leave it there than to have expert divers visiting the reef repeatedly to survey it, especially in remote locations.”  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" class="spai-bg-prepared" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=193163&title=Artificial+intelligence+tool+learns+%E2%80%9Csong+of+the+reef%E2%80%9D+to+determine+ecosystem+health" width="1" height="1" />  <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/artificial-intelligence-reef-song/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/evrim-yazgin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evrim Yazgin</a>. Evrim Yazgin has a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematical physics and a Master of Science in physics, both from the University of Melbourne. Image: Getty Images </div>

Technology

Snorkellers discover rare, giant 400-year-old coral – one of the oldest on the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkellers on the Great Barrier Reef have discovered a huge coral more than 400 years old which is thought to have survived 80 major cyclones, numerous coral bleaching events and centuries of exposure to other threats. We describe the discovery in <a href="http://nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94818-w">research</a> published today. Our team surveyed the hemispherical structure, which comprises small marine animals and calcium carbonate, and found it’s the Great Barrier Reef’s widest coral, and one of the oldest. It was discovered off the coast of Goolboodi (Orpheus Island), part of Queensland’s Palm Island Group. Traditional custodians of the region, the Manbarra people, have called the structure Muga dhambi, meaning “big coral”. For now, Muga dhambi is in relatively good health. But climate change, declining water quality and other threats are taking a toll on the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists, Traditional Owners and others must keep a close eye on this remarkable, resilient structure to ensure it is preserved for future generations. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/416672/original/file-20210818-19-anzpts.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="coral and snorkellers" /> <h2>Far older than European settlement</h2> Muga dhambi is located in a relatively remote, rarely visited and highly protected marine area. It was found during citizen science research in March this year, on a reef slope not far from shore. We conducted a literature review and consulted other scientists to compare the size, age and health of the structure with others in the Great Barrier Reef and internationally. We measured the structure at 5.3 metres tall and 10.4 metres wide. This makes it 2.4 metres wider than the widest Great Barrier Reef coral <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345677">previously</a> measured by scientists. Muga dhambi is of the coral genus Porites and is one of a large group of corals known as “massive Porites”. It’s brown to cream in colour and made of small, stony polyps. These polyps secrete layers of calcium carbonate beneath their bodies as they grow, forming the foundations upon which reefs are built. Muga dhambi’s height suggests it is aged between 421 and 438 years old – far pre-dating European exploration and settlement of Australia. We made this calculation based on rock coral growth rates and annual sea surface temperatures. The Australian Institute of Marine Science has investigated more than 328 colonies of massive Porites corals along the Great Barrier Reef and has aged the oldest at 436 years. The institute has not investigated the age of Muga dhambi, however the structure is probably one of the oldest on the Great Barrier Reef. Other comparatively large massive Porites have previously been found throughout the Pacific. One exceptionally large colony in American Samoa measured 17m × 12m. Large Porites have also been found near Taiwan and Japan. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/416650/original/file-20210818-23-wt3kj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Mountainous island and blue sea" /> <h2>Resilient, but under threat</h2> We reviewed environmental events over the past 450 years and found Muga dhambi is unusually resilient. It has survived up to 80 major cyclones, numerous coral bleaching events and centuries of exposure to invasive species, low tides and human activity. About 70% of Muga dhambi consisted of live coral, but the remaining 30% was dead. This section, at the top of the structure, was covered with green boring sponge, turf algae and green algae. Coral tissue can die from exposure to sun at low tides or warm water. Dead coral can be quickly colonised by opportunistic, fast growing organisms, as is the case with Muga dhambi. Green boring sponge invades and excavates corals. The sponge’s advances will likely continue to compromise the structure’s size and health. We found marine debris at the base of Muga dhambi, comprising rope and three concrete blocks. Such debris is a threat to the marine environment and species such as corals. We found no evidence of disease or coral bleaching. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/416678/original/file-20210818-21-13b0f9w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="to come" /> <h2>‘Old man’ of the sea</h2> A Traditional Owner from outside the region took part in our citizen science training which included surveys of corals, invertebrates and fish. We also consulted the Manbarra Traditional Owners about and an appropriate cultural name for the structure. Before recommending Muga dhambi, the names the Traditional Owners considered included: <ul> <li>Muga (big)</li> <li>Wanga (home)</li> <li>Muugar (coral reef)</li> <li>Dhambi (coral)</li> <li>Anki/Gurgu (old)</li> <li>Gulula (old man)</li> <li>Gurgurbu (old person).</li> </ul> Indigenous languages are an integral part of Indigenous culture, spirituality, and connection to country. Traditional Owners suggested calling the structure Muga dhambi would communicate traditional knowledge, language and culture to other Indigenous people, tourists, scientists and students. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/416682/original/file-20210818-23-nmb1be.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="coral rock under water with sky" /> <h2>A wonder for all generations</h2> No database exists for significant corals in Australia or globally. Cataloguing the location of massive and long-lived corals can be benefits. For example from a scientific perspective, it can allow analyses which can help understand century-scale changes in ocean events and can be used to verify climate models. Social and economic benefits can include diving tourism and citizen science, as well as engaging with Indigenous culture and stewardship. However, cataloguing the location of massive corals could lead to them being damaged by anchoring, research and pollution from visiting boats. Looking to the future, there is real concern for all corals in the Great Barrier Reef due to threats such as climate change, declining water quality, overfishing and coastal development. We recommend monitoring of Muga dhambi in case restoration is needed in future. We hope our research will mean current and future generations care for this wonder of nature, and respect the connections of Manbarra Traditional Owners to their Sea Country. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-smith-515741">Adam Smith</a>, Adjunct Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/james-cook-university-1167">James Cook University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-cook-1261134">Nathan Cook</a>, Marine Scientist , <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/james-cook-university-1167">James Cook University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vicki-saylor-1261504">Vicki Saylor</a>, Manbarra Traditional Owner, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/indigenous-knowledge-4846">Indigenous Knowledge</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/snorkellers-discover-rare-giant-400-year-old-coral-one-of-the-oldest-on-the-great-barrier-reef-166278">original article</a>. Image: Richard Woodgett/Shutterstock

Domestic Travel

From the Red Centre to the green tropics, Australia’s Outback presents a palette like no other

By Reader's Digest, in partnership with APT From the sunburnt sands and ochre-hued escarpments of its Red Centre to the lush green rainforests of Tropical North Queensland, Australia’s Outback packs a punch when it comes to the kaleidoscope of colours on show. <a href="https://www.aptouring.com.au/?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_medium=advertorial&utm_content=20200302_outback2020_readersdigest_native&utm_campaign=outback2020">APT</a> has been operating tours in the Outback for more than 50 years, and are experts in tailoring holidays to showcase the best of each magical region. A world of rainforest and reef In Cape Tribulation, rainforest-clad mountains tumble down to meet the coastline, where pure white sands and turquoise waters dazzle. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree is the oldest tropical lowland forest in the world and is home to thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles. Here, giant fan palms, emerald green vines and ancient ferns tangle together, forming a dense rainforest that makes you feel as though you are stepping into Jurassic Park. On tour APT offers an 11-day 4WD adventure through Cooktown & Cape York. Arrive in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, where you’ll spend a night at the luxurious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on a Dreamtime Gorge Walk. Explore Cape Tribulation and Cooktown then visit Split Rock, an intriguing Indigenous rock art site. Take a helicopter flight into the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve before continuing north to the tip of Cape York. Here, set out on a walk to the tip of the peninsula and enjoy a helicopter flight for an aerial perspective on this incredible landscape. Be moved by the outback’s heart As the light shifts and changes throughout the day, so does the landscape at Uluru – the Outback’s spiritual heart. At sunrise, feel an overwhelming sense of calm as you watch this mighty monolith come to life against a pastel-coloured sky. In the afternoon, Uluru appears as an ochre-brown hue, scored with dark shadows. As the sun begins to set, it bathes the rock in burnt orange, then a series of deeper and darker reds, before it finally fades into charcoal as night falls. Spend a night at the Field of Light and savour dinner under the stars, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the didgeridoo. With Uluru in the background, watch in awe as 50,000 soft lights cover the desert floor behind you. On tour On APT’s 11-day Central to South Explorer tour, start your journey in Uluru, where you’ll embark on a base tour at sunrise and experience a night at the Field of Light. Learn about the history of opal mining in Coober Pedy then travel along the iconic Oodnadatta Track to WIlliam Creek. Take an included scenic flight over spectacular Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre before journeying to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. While here, spend two nights at the Ikara Safari Camp – the perfect base for exploring Wilpena Pound National Park. A winery lunch in Adelaide’s Clare Valley is the perfect ending to your journey. Getting your fill of Lake Eyre Few sights in Australia stir the soul more than that of the normally dry Lake Eyre filling with water and suddenly teeming with life. The lake, properly known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, relies on monumental rains in Queensland and the Northern Territory for water to begin to flow into it. Last year saw the lake reach levels unseen for almost half a century, and it is hoped that 2020’s northern monsoon season will see the region once again alive with fish surging through the rivers that feed Lake Eyre, and its surface thronged with an array of birdlife including hundreds of thousands of pelicans. In a land battling drought and bushfires, the vision of water shimmering on the surface of the lake is life affirming. And it is something to be treasured and celebrated, so take this rare chance to go with the flow. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.413612565445px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843793/red-centre-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1ef8aa559b194a00b0a26c2255414afe" /> Paradise found amid corals and blooms Stretching over 1,100 kilometres of seemingly untouched coastline, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a marine paradise like no other. Here, waves lap lazily on pristine white-sand beaches and turtles sweep through sheltered turquoise bays. The crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park harbour the world’s largest fringing reef. Beneath the surface, you’ll find dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, and more than 500 species of fish. There’s more to discover on land, where colourful blankets of native wildflowers burst into bloom between August and September along the spectacular Wildflower Way. For a whole new perspective on the region, take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the Dampier Archipelago. The staggering contrast between brilliant white beaches, aquamarine waters, and the rugged red Pilbara landscape is a breathtaking sight – one that can only be experienced from the air. On tour Board the MS Caledonian Sky in Broome and navigate the remote islands of Western Australia’s Coral Coast on a 15-day small ship expedition cruise and 4WD adventure. Discover life below the surface while snorkelling the clear waters of this marine paradise. Disembark in Geraldton and continue the adventure as you explore Kalbarri National Park and the eerie limestone Pinnacles. To finish up your journey, there’s a stay in a luxury eco-tent on the beautiful Rottnest Island. This article originally appeared on <a href="mailto:https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/from-the-red-centre-to-the-green-tropics-australias-outback-presents-a-palette-like-no-other">Reader's Digest.</a> Photos: Reader’s Digest

Domestic Travel

Deadly brain shrinking fungus found in suburban Australia

A fungus titled as the world’s second deadliest has been discovered in suburban Cairns, with researchers fearing it could be spread throughout the Australian tropics. The Poison Fire Coral fungus has caused multiple deaths throughout Asia and was originally identified by James Cook University’s Dr Matt Barrett after a local photographer took a photo of it growing in Redlynch, a suburb in western Cairns. “Of the hundred or so toxic mushrooms that are known to researchers, this is the only one in which the toxins can be absorbed through the skin,” said Dr Barrett, as he warned people to not touch the fungus. “Just touching the Fire Coral fungus can cause dermatitis (reddening or swelling of the skin). If eaten, it causes a horrifying array of symptoms: initially stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and numbness, followed (over hours or days) by delamination of skin on face, hands and feet, and shrinking of the brain, which, in turn, causes altered perception, motion difficulties and speech impediments.” If left untreated, consumption can prove to be fatal due to organ failure and brain nerve damage. The brightly coloured fungus is usually found in the mountains of Japan and Korea, though it has been spotted in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Scientists now believe it is naturally growing in Cairns. “This record extends the distribution of the fungus considerably, and it may be even more widespread in tropical Australia,” Dr Barrett warned. “The fact that we can find such a distinctive and medically important fungus like the Poison Fire Coral right in our backyard shows we have much to learn about fungi in northern Australia.”

Travel Trouble

Ponant: It’s French for inspired luxury expedition cruising

First impressions count, as we know, which is why I was struck when entering the foyer area onboard one of Ponant’s four near-identical sister-ships, Le Soleal, while embarking recently on one of their <a href="https://au.ponant.com">luxury expedition cruises</a>. No sign of vintage brass portholes, no ubiquitous aroma of marine oil, paint and varnish that often permeates ships ‘of a certain age’. The reception area is light and bright, spacious, more boutique hotel foyer than fusty club. Taupe colours and light grain timbers set the scene reflected throughout the ship in public areas, as well as in the staterooms and suites. The only timber panelling is in the spa. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829420/ponant.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e74f6b65bc694dab8354d9b38199ce9e" /> © PONANT Christophe Dugied The desk staff is bright, energetic, helpful. The crew immaculately presented. “Welcome aboard.” Thank you, Captain. He is in evidence throughout the voyage. The world leader in luxury expeditions Owning and operating the youngest fleet of luxury expedition ships in the world, Ponant takes cruising the world’s seven seas seriously – 30 years of consistent growth is reflected in the company taking more passengers to the polar zones than any other cruise company. Their ships explore the globe with hundreds of voyages a year stretching well beyond the Antarctic and Northern Europe to warmer destinations such as the Mediterranean, South Pacific, <a href="https://au.ponant.com/exploring-kimberley/">the Kimberley</a> coast in Australia, Asia and more. This has helped establish Ponant as the recognised world leader of luxury expedition cruising. To maintain this position, they are in the process of building six new slightly smaller ‘Explorer Class’ ships, each with just 92 staterooms and suites, all with ocean view and balcony. While the world has gone mad for behemoths, Ponant finds good reason to reduce the size of their ships, without compromising space or facilities. Small ships, big benefits Compact external dimensions create cruising opportunities denied larger ships, providing the sort of intimate experiences us ‘over-60s’ seek. All Ponant’s ships are small enough to access and moor in places few others can. Passing under Tower Bridge in central London to moor next to HMS Belfast on the Thames, along with squeezing through the famed Corinth canal (with barely a metre spare on each side at one point) while en-route to or from Athens is on my ‘must do’ list for future cruises. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829418/ponant-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b073e40aa11545f185a1b963396e3bc4" /> © PONANT Matthieu Germain Small ship experiences offer unexpected benefits. Take accessing the centre of Saigon in Vietnam and St Petersburg in Northern Europe, stepping off the ships to be in the middle of the action, while large ships are forced to moor at the mouth of rivers and arrange ground transport to shuffle passengers to and from the city. Likewise, your senses will be amplified when in expedition mode while unfolding the secrets of the Amazon, the Russian Far East, Northwest Passage, Black Sea or, for example, mingling with rarely-visited tribes in New Guinea – unmarked turn-offs revealing destinations-of-dreams. Expedition cruises with an edge A growing number of voyages feature a National Geographic Expeditions guest expert and a Nat Geo endorsed photographer. This additional duo adds a further dimension to Ponant’s expedition cruises; working with the regular onboard expedition teams, they provide additional specialist insight into the places visited. Depending on the designated Ponant National Geographic voyage selected there may, for example, be a specialist vulcanologist, glaciologist, anthropologist or geomorphologist onboard to add further perspectives. The photographer will share experiences, perhaps relating how he or she managed to capture a special series of stunning images – offering insight into how guests, too, can improve their photographic skills. You may as well learn from the best, whether enthusiastic amateur or smartphone happy snapper. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829416/ponant-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0266e04aa4cb48818017ae03323dc66a" /> © PONANT Nick Rains With new ships come innovative designs, for example Ponant’s world exclusive ‘Blue Eye’, an underwater lounge with cetacean-inspired glass windows and aquatic microphones to capture the sights and sounds of the surrounding marine environment. Add to this the very latest in award-winning eco-sensitivity, spanning from tin-free anti-fouling hull paint to onboard/onshore recycling, the exclusive use of high-grade marine fuel and guest briefings on the environments encountered. In 2021, the launch of a new polar exploration ship utilising low emission LNG and electricity hybrid power will herald a new era in marine eco-sensitivity. With Ponant, beauty isn’t skin deep. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829421/ponant-6.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/87bd1bed034945c1b5a5fa954d2308b9" /> © PONANT Laurence Fischer On my recent luxury expedition voyage, guests onboard had joined the ship from around the world, a core of French supplemented by guests from Australia and New Zealand, the UK and USA, Switzerland and Germany, Japan … a commingling of nationalities. This creates a United Nations of travel, with animated interchange, points of view and perspectives creating fascinating conversations and interaction, whether on a Zodiac heading to shore with Expedition Team members or sharing a table at dinner. For those travellers who enjoy a global perspective, these voyages are the place to be. The French touch Of course, Ponant is French, and that means a relaxed elegant style balanced by sophisticated ambiance throughout, including nice touches such as Hermes toiletries for all, daily fresh patisserie, real French butter and, not unexpectedly, a variety of exquisite cheeses. The gastronomique restaurant offerings are influenced by Ducasse Conseil. Veuve Clicquot is sloshed around at functions, (while fine ‘everyday’ champagne is all part of the Open Bar offerings), along with fine French wines, occasional treats such as caviar tastings… and, agreeably, no penguin suits needed onboard, although you will see plenty ashore in the Antarctic regions. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829419/ponant-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/707dfc792903427e926679fc5104481b" /> © PONANT François Lefebvre For me, fulfilling travel is a combination of elements, Ponant representing the epitome of modern-day expedition cruising, where luxury merges with adventure. It starts with the quality of the ships, the fine accommodation, unobtrusive service and attention to detail, then raises a level with the range of facilities, food and wine all adding to the pleasure and enjoyment of the experience. Espresso to start the day, explore ashore, spa treatment, Arpège by night. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7829417/ponant-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/785920929e6e4810bf8bd0598bf1339e" /> © PONANT Arnaud Delayen-Kotor Perhaps at this stage it is just as important to know what Ponant ships do not have – casinos, jostling queues, crowds, shopping malls, go-kart tracks, faux climbing walls, happy hour or schoolies. What is offered is luxury quality yacht-style cruising and exciting expeditions, all the while enjoying French ambiance and a certain je-ne-sais-quoi. Is PONANT the apotheosis of luxury and expedition cruising? There’s only one way to find out.

Cruising

The huge threat facing our coral reefs

There are more than 11 billion pieces of plastic debris on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific, according to our new research, which also found that contact with plastic can make corals more than 20 times more susceptible to disease. In our study, <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi/10.1126/science.aar3320" target="_blank">published in Science</a>, we examined more than 124,000 reef-building corals and found that 89% of corals with trapped plastic had visual signs of disease - a marked increase from the 4% chance of a coral having disease without plastic. Globally, more than 275 million people live within 30km of coral reefs, relying on them for food, coastal protection, tourism income, and cultural value. With coral reefs already under pressure from climate change and mass <a href="https://theconversation.com/back-to-back-bleaching-has-now-hit-two-thirds-of-the-great-barrier-reef-76092" target="_blank">bleaching events</a>, our findings reveal another significant threat to the world’s corals and the ecosystems and livelihoods they support. In collaboration with numerous experts and underwater surveyors across Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand and Australia, we collected data from 159 coral reefs between 2010 and 2014. In so doing, we collected one of the most extensive datasets of coral health in this region and plastic waste levels on coral reefs globally. There is a huge disparity between global estimates of plastic waste <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/347/6223/768" target="_blank">entering the oceans</a> and the amount that <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/114/23/6052.abstract" target="_blank">washes up on beaches</a> or is found <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/111/28/10239.full" target="_blank">floating on the surface</a>. Our research provides one of the most comprehensive estimates of plastic waste on the seafloor, and its impact on one of the world’s most important ecosystems. The number of plastic items entangled on the reefs varied immensely among the different regions we surveyed - with the lowest levels found in Australia and the highest in Indonesia. An estimated 80% of marine plastic debris originates from land. The variation of plastic we observed on reefs during our surveys corresponded to the estimated levels of plastic litter entering the ocean from the nearest coast. One-third of the reefs we surveyed had no derelict plastic waste, however others had up 26 pieces of plastic debris per 100 square metres. We estimate that there are roughly 11.1 billion plastic items on coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific. What’s more, we forecast that this will increase 40% in the next seven years – equating to an estimated 15.7 billion plastic items by 2025. This increase is set to happen much faster in developing countries than industrialised ones. According to our projections, between 2010 and 2025 the amount of plastic debris on Australian coral reefs will increase by only about 1%, whereas for Myanmar it will almost double. How can plastic waste cause disease? Although the mechanisms are not yet clear, the influence of plastic debris on disease development may differ among the three main global diseases we observed to increase when plastic was present. Plastic debris can open wounds in coral tissues, potentially letting in pathogens such as Halofolliculina corallasia, the microbe that causes skeletal eroding band disease. Plastic debris could also introduce pathogens directly. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – a very common plastic used in children’s toys, building materials like pipes, and many other products – have been found carrying a family of bacteria called Rhodobacterales, which are associated with a suite of coral diseases. Similarly, polypropylene – which is used to make bottle caps and toothbrushes – can be colonised by Vibrio, a potential pathogen linked to a globally devastating group of coral diseases known as white syndromes. Finally, plastic debris overtopping corals can block out light and create low-oxygen conditions that favour the growth of microorganisms linked to black band disease. Structurally complex corals are eight times more likely to be affected by plastic, particularly branching and tabular species. This has potentially dire implications for the numerous marine species that shelter under or within these corals, and in turn the fisheries that depend on them. Our study shows that reducing the amount of plastic debris entering the ocean can directly prevent disease and death among corals. Once corals are already infected, it is logistically difficult to treat the resulting diseases. By far the easiest way to tackle the problem is by reducing the amount of mismanaged plastic on land that finds its way into the ocean. Do you think enough is being done to cope with this threat? Written by Joleah Lamb. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.<img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/90694/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/>

International Travel

7 reasons why you should cruise to Tasmania on a small ship

The coast of Tasmania contains some of the most exceptional scenery and wildlife you will ever find in the world. However, the beauty of Tasmania cannot only be appreciated from afar, it has to be experienced firsthand. That’s why Coral Expeditions has crafted three unique itineraries to Tasmania that feature expert commentary, exceptional local produce and shore excursions. Here are the reasons why a small ship will give you the most authentic experience of Tasmania. 1. Access secluded areas Visiting Tasmania on a small ship allows you to access areas larger vessels are unable to reach. Coral Expeditions offers the Pristine Tasmania tour, a seven-night return trip from Hobart, which takes travellers into Port Davey, part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area. This untouched wilderness is usually only accessed by a seven-day hike or light aircraft, but these lucky cruisers can simply sail in to its sheltered bays, and spend two full days exploring this spectacular marine reserve. Passengers also have the option of accessing these remote and untouched areas, far from the tourist trail, via two custom tender vessels named Xplorer and Zodiak, which are carried on board. This World Heritage Area satisfies seven of the 10 criteria of cultural and natural heritage values, including: unique human culture and history, wilderness, plants and wildlife, and geology. There is only one other site in China that equals this number and no sites on the planet exceed it. 2. Incredible itineraries While large ships are famous for their onboard entertainment, small ships put the destination as the focus. On Coral Expeditions’ Pristine Tasmania tour, cruisers are taken on a guided hike to the iconic Wineglass Bay Lookout by an expedition leader. Although Wineglass Bay has a curvy shape, its name is allegedly derived after the waters were blood-stained during the height of the 19th century whaling era. Now, the sapphire waters and white sand has been recognised as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The tour also includes a visit to the historic ruins of the 17th century convict penitentiary on Maria Island. A new cruise by Coral Expeditions, called A Yachtsman’s Cruise, allows passengers to experience the 73rd Sydney to Hobart yacht race on the water. Passengers will watch the fleet sail past while an expert gives commentary on the race. The cruise includes guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s parks and will arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve so passengers can join the festivities of race presentations and the week-long Taste Tasmania festival. The Coastal Treks of Tasmania cruise, departing on January 15, 2018, is a one-off trip that combines an expedition voyage with Tasmania’s best walking tracks. The uniquely Australian nature experience will have two skilled local bushwalkers provide extensive knowledge on Tasmanian flora and fauna throughout the cruise. The marvellous itinerary has been designed to drop off and pick up guests before and after the walks, however, guests can choose to stay onboard and soak in the scenery from the ship. If you visit Tasmania on a small ship, expect to be out in the great outdoors with activities to cater for all fitness levels. 3. Enrichment opportunities On the Pristine Tasmania tour, travellers also have the unique opportunity to visit the peninsula of Freycinet, which is famous for its pink granite peaks and calm, crystal waters. While being blown away by the beauty of Tasmania, region experts lead the shore excursions, sharing great insights on everything from geology to archaeology to local flora and fauna. If you travel to Tasmania on a small ship, you will not only be blown away by your shore excursions, but you will also leave your holiday knowing more about this remarkable country we live in. 4. Experience quality Small-ship cruising can be more affordable and convenient than travelling on land, with accommodation, meals and transport all included in the fare. Not only are your planning concerns taken care of, but small ships will also go the extra mile for all passengers onboard. If you want to have a chat and get a captain’s eye view, Coral Expeditions’ tours also have an Open Bridge Policy, where if the door is open, you are more than welcome to come in and chat about navigation with the captain and pull out your map with the horizon in front of you. Throughout the journey around Tasmania, expert guest lecturers will be onboard conducting regular lectures on topics such as the local flora, fauna and history including the maritime history. 5. Intimate environment Small ships are the perfect environment for cruisers who want to travel in a personal way. A small ship allows you to have the opportunity to get to know the crew and your fellow passengers. Fewer passengers with fewer onboard distractions allows you to create quality conversation, genuine friendship and camaraderie. The Coral Discoverer underwent a major refurbishment in November last year. The ship now accommodates a maximum of 72 guests in generously sized cabins, allowing for passengers to have a peaceful environment but still have the opportunity to form friendships. The Explorer Bar and Sun Deck is the perfect location to relax as you and a new friend watch the exquisite scenery sail by with quality food and beverages at your fingertips. 6. Local cuisine Most small cruise ships serve passengers impeccable meals using local ingredients. On the Pristine Tasmania tour, guests can enjoy freshly shucked Bruny Island Oysters and local organic cheese at Grandvewe. Passengers can enjoy their local cheese by washing it down with vodka, which is a passenger excursion highlight at Grandvewe Cheeses. The Captain also invites guests to join him for an archaeologist-led tour at Port Arthur. The convict site has over 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes spread across 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. 7. Tick-off bucket list activities A well-planned visit to Tasmania can be full of bucket-list worthy activities that will make for wonderful stories to share in the future. With Coral Expeditions, passengers can visit the southern-most part of Australia, Cockle Creek. Not only will guests sail past the sight but they will have the opportunity to disembark and follow in the footsteps of French explorer Bruni D’Entrecasteaux. He is believed to have encountered the region’s native inhabitants in the 18th century. When visiting Port Davey, travellers can also breathe in (what is rumoured to be) the cleanest air in the world. Be sure to take some deep breaths as you are surrounded by the rugged beauty of Tasmania. Have you ever travelled to Tasmania on a smaller ship? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com?utm_source=Fairfax&utm_medium=Over-Sixty-Native-Article&utm_campaign=Enigma-Coral-2017-18&utm_content=Native-Article/Over-Sixty/7-reason-Tasmania/Homepage" target="_blank">CORAL EXPEDITIONS</a>. This seven-night Pristine Tasmania tour departs Hobart weekly from January 1, 2018 to March 12, 2018. For more information on this itinerary and to see the new brochure please click <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/cruises/tasmania/7-night-hobart-hobart/?utm_source=Fairfax&utm_medium=Over-Sixty-Native-Article&utm_campaign=Enigma-Coral-2017-18&utm_content=Native-Article/Over-Sixty/7-reason-Tasmania/hobart-hobart" target="_blank">here</a>. The seven-night Coastal Treks of Tasmania tour departs from Hobart on January 15, 2018. For more information on this itinerary please click <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/tasmania/coastal-treks/?utm_source=Fairfax&utm_medium=Over-Sixty-Native-Article&utm_campaign=Enigma-Coral-2017-18&utm_content=Native-Article/Over-Sixty/7-reason-Tasmania/coastal-treks" target="_blank">here</a>. A Yachtsman’s Cruise from Sydney to Hobart departs on December 26, 2017. For more information on this itinerary please click <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com?utm_source=Fairfax&utm_medium=Over-Sixty-Native-Article&utm_campaign=Enigma-Coral-2017-18&utm_content=Native-Article/Over-Sixty/7-reason-Tasmania/Homepage" target="_blank">here</a>. To book call 1800 079 545 or visit <a href="https://www.coralexpeditions.com?utm_source=Fairfax&utm_medium=Over-Sixty-Native-Article&utm_campaign=Enigma-Coral-2017-18&utm_content=Native-Article/Over-Sixty/7-reason-Tasmania/Homepage" target="_blank">www.coralexpeditions.com</a>.

Cruising

This new ship will cure seasickness

If you love cruises but constantly miss out because of frequent seasickness, we’ve got some exciting news for you. Aurora Expeditions, a cruise company operating in the Arctic and Antarctic, has developed a cutting-edge new ship that may put an end to queasy stomachs once and for all. Due for launch in late 2019, the 104m ship is fitted with innovative technology designed to cut through rough crossings with ease. “The vessel is the first to use the patented X-BOW technology which has the ability to pierce waves with much greater stability, making open sea journeys – like Antarctica’s notorious Drake Passage – more pleasant for passengers than what is currently available from other small ships on the market today,” Aurora Expeditions managing director Robert Halfpenny said. The pointed nose of the X-BOW vessel, unlike traditional ships which rise on waves then drop abruptly onto the ocean’s surface, is less prone to jerky vertical movements caused by rough seas. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36781/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (297)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> It’s also fuel- and energy-efficient and features custom platforms for adventure-seekers wishing to kayak or dive in the icy seas. There will also be a 180-degree indoor viewing deck, plus all the things you’d expect from a luxury liner like a gym, sauna and spa. If this sounds right up your alley, keep an eye out for itineraries to be released later this year.

Cruising

Coral expert debunks Great Barrier Reef myths

Perhaps you've heard that the epic, 2200km-long Great Barrier Reef in Australia has died. Perhaps you've read that on Thursday the Australian government released it's report card giving the state of the reef a D for the fifth year in a row. Perhaps you've read its obituary by writer Rowan Jacobsen on the website Outside Online. But before you start mourning the loss of what Jacobsen calls "one of the most spectacular features on the planet," the community of scientists that study coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean would like you to hold up, slow down, and take a deep breath. The news isn't good, but it may not be as dire as the obituary may have you believe. "For those of us in the business of studying and understanding what coral resilience means, the article very much misses the mark," said Kim Cobb, a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. "It's not too late for the Great Barrier Reef, and people who think that have a really profound misconception about what we know and don't know about coral resilience." Cobb spoke to us about the state of the world's largest reef system, and why there is reason for both concern and hope. Q: Is the Great Barrier Reef dead? No. It's not. We just had a massive bleaching event, but we know from past research that corals are able to recover from the brink of death. Q: So bleached corals aren't dead corals? That's right. There's lots of confusion about what bleaching means. Coral is an animal, and the animal exists in symbiosis with photosynthetic algae. The algae provides food for the coral in exchange for a great home. But when the water gets too warm, the algae become chemically destructive to the coral. When that happens, the coral convulses and spits out puffs of algae to protect itself. That removes all the colour from the coral tissue which is transparent, allowing you to see right through to the underlying skeleton. So you are not necessarily seeing dead coral, you're really just seeing clear coral without its algae. Q: But bleaching is still bad, right? Bleaching events are worrisome because if the coral misses this key food source from the algae for too long it will literally starve to death. But, if the water temperature comes back down, it will welcome the algae back. The key is that the water temperature change has to be relatively quick. When was the massive bleaching event? It started with the Hawaiian Islands bleaching in the early part of 2015 due to a moderate El Nino event in 2014-2015. After that there was the build up to the massive El Nino that culminated in the warmest ocean waters during the November 2015 time frame. Unfortunately, these warm waters didn't release their grip on many of the Pacific reefs until the spring of 2016, so that's nine months of pretty consistently high temperatures. That is a long time for a coral to be in a mode of starvation. Has the Great Barrier Reef been through anything like this before? It has had very severe bleaching events associated with large El Ninos like we had last year, but the problem is we are seeing baseline ocean temperatures getting warmer every year. When you pile a strong El Nino on top of this ever warming trend, you get more extreme and more prolonged bleaching episodes. What was striking about this year was the extent of the damage. It was staggering. By important metrics the '97-'98 El Nino was bigger, but the damage from this last one was far more extensive. So how can you remain hopeful about the fate of Great Barrier Reef and other reefs in the Pacific? I work on a research site in the Christmas Islands that is literally smack in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and which was much more devastated than the Great Barrier Reef. It was worse off than any reef in the world with up to 85 per cent mortality. But even in the face of that whole-scale destruction, we saw individual corals that were still alive, looking like nothing had happened. I cling to that. I know from my own site that there is a lot more resilience baked into the system then we can hope to understand right now and that out of the rubble will come a reef that may not look exactly like it looked before, but may be better adapted for future temperature change. It kind of sounds like an awesome research opportunity. You better believe it. This is a window into the future of global reefs. It's a great natural laboratory. Written by Deborah Netburn. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/%20%20" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/10/7-foods-to-lower-blood-pressure/">7 things to eat or avoid to lower your blood pressure</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2016/10/dorrie-jacobson-on-body-issues-and-intimacy/">How body image issues hold you back from intimacy</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/10/the-healthiest-leanest-ways-to-cook/">5 of the healthiest, leanest ways to cook</a>

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5 lesser-known cruise lines you will love

Everyone is familiar with the big cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or P&O – especially as one of their ships is docked at Sydney Harbour almost every day. But how about some of the lesser-known lines that offer a one of a kind experience? 1. Coral Expeditions This small-ship line operates just a handful of vessels, all of which carry around 50 passengers. They sail around the Great Barrier Reef, through the Kimberley region or around the rugged wilderness of southern Tasmania. It’s best suited to adventurous, active travellers who like to spend their time off the ship, exploring, hiking or kayaking. 2. Viking Ocean Cruises Viking River Cruises is one of the biggest names in the business with more than 50 ships sailing rivers around the world. But did you know they’ve also launched two ocean ships, and more are on the way? The mid-sized ships have a few really exciting features that you won’t find anywhere else, like an infinity pool cantilevered over the back of the ship and a glass-roofed central lounge area. Plus, almost everything onboard (like alcohol and specialty dining) is included in the price. 3. Fathom This newly launched line is the first in the industry dedicated completely to voluntourism. It operates just the one ship, the Adonia, and sails from Miami to the Dominican Republic or Cuba where passengers engage in volunteer programs, like school visits and community projects. They are also encouraged to learn about the destination before they arrive, with lecture programs and language classes onboard during the voyage. 4. Un-Cruise Adventures As the name suggests, Un-Cruise doesn’t think of themselves as a traditional cruise company. Operating a fleet of small ships in places like Mexico, Alaska, the Galapagos Islands and Hawaii, there’s a big focus on wilderness, wildlife and culture. Passengers will get to swim with sea lions, kayak around icebergs or hike through lush jungle looking for birds. There’s lots to do onboard too, with lectures, whale watching and sunrise yoga sessions. 6. Hapag-Lloyd German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd operates what is generally regarded as the most luxurious ship in the world, but there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of it. The flagship Europa 2 is sleek, stylish and seriously swish. The cabins are huge, all come with a balcony, most have a bath tub with jets and many even have a steam sauna. There are 13 dining options for just 500 guests and the bilingual staff are on hand to meet your every need. At the same time, the atmosphere is relaxed and you never need to put on a tie if you don’t want to. What’s your favourite line to cruise with? Have you tried any of these under-the-radar, lesser-known cruise lines? Please share your story in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/5-things-you-must-do-to-avoid-seasickness-on-a-cruise/">5 things you MUST do to avoid seasickness on a cruise</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/10-things-you-must-never-do-in-a-cruise-cabin/">10 things you must never do in a cruise cabin</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/po-ships-first-new-zealand-cruise/">P&O’s first cruise around New Zealand</a>

Cruising

93 per cent of Great Barrier Reef hit by coral bleaching

A comprehensive, aerial and underwater survey of the Great Barrier Reef has suggested that 93 percent of the World Heritage site has been affected by coral bleaching. A review of more than 900 individual reefs showed the severe bleaching had occurred in the northern section of the reef, stretching 1,000 kilometres north of Port Douglas. Professor Terry Hughes from the National Coral Bleaching Taskforce told ABC News, "We've never seen bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef of that severity and when bleaching is that strong it affects virtually all coral species. We expect the central and southern corals to regain their colour and recover over the next few months.” "The southern third of the Great Barrier Reef fortunately cooled down late in summer due to ex-cyclone Winston. The 2016 footprint could have been much worse. "In 1998 and 2002, 40 per cent of the reefs had no bleaching — it's only 7 per cent this time," he said. We also know in 1998 and 2002 about 18 per cent of the reefs were severely bleaching — this time it's over half.” "So by those metrics this bleaching event is three or four times more severe." The aerial survey, which began last month, covered 911 individual reefs and found that only 68 had escape bleaching entirely. Of those that had been bleached, more than half had been severely bleached. If a coral remains bleached for an extended period it is likely to die, and Mr Hughes expects a mortality rate as high as 50 per cent in some parts of the reef. Professor Andrew Baird, from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, spent over two weeks at sea recording the bleaching, and told ABC News, "Tragically, the northern section is the most remote part of the reef, and its remoteness has protected it from most human pressures but not climate change. North of Port Douglas, we're already measuring an average of close to 50 per cent mortality of bleached corals." Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/life-lessons-from-grandparents/">Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/quotes-about-siblings/">9 heart-warming quotes about siblings</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/09/kids-addicted-to-technology/">How kids have fun today is alarmingly different to the good old days</a>

News

Coral beaching puts future of Great Barrier Reef at risk

Concerns for the future of the Great Barrier Reef continue as Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt has described the state of coral bleaching as, “major and significant”. Mr Hunt’s comments came after he received his latest briefing from the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel about the current state of bleaching. Mr Hunt said, “The event is still unfolding and the full extent and severity of bleaching may take several weeks to manifest. If major disturbances such as bleaching events occur more regularly, this will affect the reef's ability to recover.” Coral bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs due to increases in water temperature, and can kill or stunt the ability for the coral to recover. Mr Hunt’s admission comes as prominent naturalist Sir David Attenborough highlighted his concern for the reef’s future, “The twin perils brought by climate change, an increase in the temperature of the ocean and in its acidity threaten its very existence.” “Do we really care so little about the Earth on which we live that we don't wish to protect one of its greatest wonders from the consequences of our behaviour?” Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/vintage-photos-capture-pure-innocence-of-children/">Vintage photos capture the pure innocence of children</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/how-to-bring-up-a-happy-child/">22 tips for bringing up a happy child</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/heartwarming-photos-that-prove-every-child-needs-a-pet/">15 heartwarming photos that prove every child needs a pet</a>

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93 per cent of Great Barrier Reef hit by coral bleaching

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