Michaelmas Cay, an unspoilt coral island
Liz Price
20-Jul-07
I THOUGHT of myself as a modern day Robinson Crusoe stranded on a deserted coral island. The only inhabitants were of the avian variety and they looked at us as if to say "oh no, not more tourists".
Michaelmas Cay is an unspoilt coral island forming part of the Great Barrier Reef, about 43km northeast of Cairns in Queensland, Australia.
The word cay is a South American word meaning a low bank or reef made of coral, rock or sand. Michaelmas Cay, a sand island lying on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef, is a mid-shelf reef formed by living corals.
The Cay is world renowned for its thousands of nesting birds and is therefore a great place for birdwatchers. These ornithologists or birders are usually the first in the group to reach the beach so that they can see the nervous and shy black napped turn, little turn and ruddy turnstones. As more people land on the beach these birds tend to move out of sight into the restricted or nesting areas of the Cay.
However, not all of the birds are shy, as several were perched on the National Park sign board, watching our every move. Others lined the sea shore like a long row of prudish Victorian ladies wondering whether to enter the water.
The Cay is a protected seabird sanctuary playing host to over 20,000 migratory seabirds and is one of the most important nesting sights in the Southern Hemisphere. As it is a National Park and needs protecting, very few boats are now permitted access to this very sensitive island others are restricted to the reef.
As our boat arrives at the Cay and lays anchor, it is immediately surrounded by large and friendly Batfish. These are also known as Moonfish and have broad, flat heads and slim bodies. They are inquisitive and seem to enjoy swimming with snorkellers.
The island is small and vegetated, about 1.5 hectares in all and a mere 3.5m at the highest.
Vegetation on the cay consists of a few low-growing plants that are the pioneer species, such as grasses, herbs, succulents and creepers. The vegetation dries out during winter but the summer wet season usually results in plant regrowth. Visitors are requested to stay out of the vegetated areas. A maximum number of 50 visitors are allowed on the Cay.
A total of 38 species of birds have been recorded on Michaelmas Cay. The main breeding species are sooty terns, crested terns, common noddies and lesser crested terns. Occasional breeders include more species of terns and noddies, as well as gulls. Breeding activity occurs throughout the year.
Apart from the birds, the other attraction is the myriad of colourful corals, giant clams and reef fish. You can easily forget time as you snorkel around looking at this colourful underwater world.
The coral begins only a few metres from the water's edge. It is also possible to go scuba diving.
The Great Barrier Reef is protected as a Marine Park. This means all animals and plants, including dead corals and shells, are protected and cannot be collected, while fishing is prohibited.
If you are lucky you may even see dolphins, turtles and whales on the journey to and from Cairns.
The Brunei Times
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