About 6 months after the production of the film A Journey Through the Eyes of the Reef we returned to North Queensland, this time to create a film out in the Coral Sea.
We departed Cairns for Osprey Reef, Holmes Reef and Bougainville Reef, aboard Mike Ball Dive Expeditions boat, Spoilsport. The film would be centered around underwater cinematographer Julia Sumerling, who has likely spent more time underwater diving on the reefs of the Coral Sea than any other person on the planet. Julia shared with us her story and why she believes that region should be protected.
The film features ocean legend, Valerie Taylor, who has spent her life fighting for the protection of different species and locations around Australia. The film also features leading scientists, Rob Beaman, Terry Hughes and underwater filmmakers Richard Fitzpatrick and Dean Miller. The purpose of the film was to highlight how amazing the diversity and abundance of marine organisms is out in the Coral Sea and why they should be protected.
The Coral Sea is truly spectacular. Before every dive, you feel really excited, as you never know what you might see all the way out in the middle of the ocean. The reefs consist of everything from steep dropoffs and caverns, to beautiful coral reef gardens and the visibility is usually excellent. The reefs are teaming with sharks and schools of fish, and the coral reefs are vibrant. This region truly is one of the last frontiers in diving and possibly one of the healthiest reef ecosystems on the planet.
Unfortunately, however, the Coral Sea reefs are under threat from commercial fishing.
Previously, the area had been designated as a sanctuary zone that would have protected spawning grounds for many pelagic species. It would have made Australia's Marine Reserve Network the largest in the world at that time. Today, the area still remains inadequately protected and more needs to be done to secure this area for the future.
