The Abrolhos Islands Long Island Dive Trail, Department of Fisheries, Western Australia, Fish for the Future

The Abrolhos Islands Long Island Dive Trail

The Long Island Dive Trail

The northern end of the trail is indicated by a small spar buoy. Sandy areas can also be seen in the vicinity of the dive trail. These sandy patches are very important for some fish - the goatfish uses its sensitive chin whiskers to probe them for worms and shrimps, while other fish like some wrasses and rays bury themselves in the sand for protection from predators.

The Abrolhos Islands mark the overlap of tropical and temperate waters, with the result that plants and animals of both worlds live here. Temperate fish, such as buff bream, western rock lobster and baldchin groper can be found in these waters.

There are fascinating tropical water features in this area, such as 'bombies'. Bombies are massive spherical boulders of Porites spp coral, whose shape ensures a maximum surface area for their coral polyps to filter food from the water. This coral grows very slowly - a 3m-high bombie will be about 1000 years old.

The dive trail has fascinating tropical water features, such as 'staghorn coral'. Staghorns are fragile, but grow quickly - about 15cm per year. Unlike other places where staghorns are found, staghorn coral polyps at the Abrolhos are extended during the day. When staghorns spawn, they produce pink egg bundles.

Along the trail each dive station is marked by a plinth with a mounted plaque. Each plaque contains a colourful illustration by Western Australian artist Kellee Merrit and area information.

The Abrolhos Islands mark the overlap of tropical and temperate waters, with the result that plants and animals of both worlds live here. Tropical fish such as parrot fish, butterfly fish and coral trout can be found in these waters.

Caring for the Reef
On visiting the Abrolhos, remember, this is a special place that needs your protection. Anchor away from corals and seagrass to avoid damage. Take your rubbish away with you - don't drop it in the water. Only take enough fish for your personal consumption. Take care not to disturb birds and other wildlife on the Islands. Shipwrecks and historical relics are the heritage of all Western Australians. Please do notinterfere or remove objects from the sites. Report the location of any finds to the WA Maritime Museum (phone (08) 9431 8444). When diving, avoid standing on fragile corals they break easily. No domestic pets are allowed on vessels or at the Abrolhos Islands. Private property - the residences, jetties and rainwater tanks of commercial fishermen on the 22 islands designated for their use are private property. You may land on those islands, butyou may not use the facilities unless you have written permission on board your boat from the owner. You may not stay in a fisherman's camp unless the owner is present.

On visiting the Abrolhos, remember, this is a special place that needs your protection.

Anchor away from corals and seagrass to avoid damage.
Take your rubbish away with you - don't drop it in the water.
Only take enough fish for your personal consumption.
Take care not to disturb birds and other wildlife on the Islands.
Shipwrecks and historical relics are the heritage of all Western Australians. Please do notinterfere or remove objects from the sites. Report the location of any finds to the WA Maritime Museum (phone (08) 9431 8444).
When diving, avoid standing on fragile corals they break easily.
No domestic pets are allowed on vessels or at the Abrolhos Islands.
Private property - the residences, jetties and rainwater tanks of commercial fishermen on the 22 islands designated for their use are private property. You may land on those islands, butyou may not use the facilities unless you have written permission on board your boat from the owner. You may not stay in a fisherman's camp unless the owner is present.

Code of Safety
Take care - Enjoy your dive, but please take care. Your safety is our concern but your responsibility. Be aware - Sharks live in the waters around the Abrolhos. Beawareof currents,tides and weather before you dive. Be safe - Always fly the dive flag when diving or snorkelling. Protect the Reef Observation Area - Collecting, spearfishing and fishing are not allowed in these areas. Rock lobster pots may be used during the Abrolhos Islands season (15 March - 30 June, inclusive for any year). Please help us ensure fish for the future.

Take care - Enjoy your dive, but please take care. Your safety is our concern but your responsibility.

Be aware - Sharks live in the waters around the Abrolhos. Beawareof currents,tides and weather before you dive.

Be safe - Always fly the dive flag when diving or snorkelling.

Protect the Reef Observation Area - Collecting, spearfishing and fishing are not allowed in these areas. Rock lobster pots may be used during the Abrolhos Islands season (15 March - 30 June, inclusive for any year). Please help us ensure fish for the future.

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