These really are five star!

Today we had the pleasure of listening to JP. A marine biologist who joined us on Direction Island, an uninhabited island in the lagoon to talk to us about the formation of the islands, the reefs, the threats and the projects. He even brought along a toddlers bathing pool as an essential prop.

Let’s just say this was an adult show and tell of some note.

Darwin had parked the Beagle here in 1836 and it was when he formed his theory of atolls. How they are formed and why.

Atolls are ring-shaped coral reefs that form through a gradual sinking and erosion of a volcanic island. Fringing reefs grow along the shoreline. The volcanic island sinks and the growing ring of coral and sand forms an atoll enclosing a central lagoon.

Preserving these reefs is a big issue with cyclones coming through, rising temperatures and pollution. So some interesting initiatives have been started which involve the island schools.

Students assemble ceramic blocks directly on the seabed. They serve as “undersea hotels” that help restore the island’s marine ecosystem. These blocks are made from fired terracotta clay. They are completely safe for marine life and are designed to naturally erode over several decades once the real coral skeleton takes over. The surfaces of the bricks are varied with holes. This texture gives wild floating coral larvae a secure place to anchor and grow while offering immediate hiding spots for baby fish. Because the seafloor around the Cocos atolls features a lot of shifting sand and rubble, young corals are frequently buried or choked. The heavy brick structures sit firmly on the seabed, elevating the growing coral so it can safely access sunlight and nutrients. Over time, the artificial bricks become completely covered by algae and coral, leaving behind a fully thriving, natural reef ecosysstrm.

JP brought along a couple of bricks to demonstrate how they were now covered with algae on which corals could latch on and grow. It was a heartening and enlightening account.

But I can’t help feeling there are real issues here over the future of these islands.

Supporting committed researchers in their efforts is key. Kids grow up to be informed citizens. They will report on their results soon. I will keep a watchful eye.