Field measurements of a massive Porites coral at Goolboodi (Orpheus Island), Great Barrier Reef.

Adam Smith, Nathan Cook, Kailash Cook, Rachelle Brown, Richard Woodgett, John Veron, Vicki Saylor
Author Information
  1. Adam Smith: Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia. adam.smith@reefecologic.org.
  2. Nathan Cook: Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
  3. Kailash Cook: Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
  4. Rachelle Brown: Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
  5. Richard Woodgett: Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia.
  6. John Veron: Coral Reef Research, P.O. Box 129, Millaa Millaa, QLD, 4886, Australia.
  7. Vicki Saylor: Manbarra Aboriginal Corporation, 168 Pinnacle Drive, Condon, QLD, 4815, Australia.

Abstract

An exceptionally large coral Porites sp. has been identified and measured at Goolboodi (Orpheus Island), Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This coral was measured in March 2021 during citizen science research of coral reefs in the Palm Islands group. We conducted a literature review and consulted scientists to compare the size, age and health of the Porites with others in the GBR and internationally. This is the largest diameter Porites coral measured by scientists and the sixth highest coral measured in the GBR. The health of the Porites was assessed as very good with over 70% live coral cover and minor percentages of sponge, live coral rock and macroalgae. An estimated age of 421-438 years was calculated based on linear growth models. Manbarra Traditional Owners were consulted and suggested that the Porites be named Muga dhambi (big coral) to communicate traditional knowledge, language and culture to indigenous, tourists, scientists and students.

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