Kirra Reef returns
Last Friday the ABC ran a news report on the return of Kirra Reef. According to the ABC, recent changes in the sand pumping have meant less sand has gathered in the nearshore zone of Coolangatta Bay. The flow on effects being deeper water and the uncovering of the long-buried Kirra Reef.
100 metres of the reef is exposed with soft corals taking hold and many species of fish and rays gathering around the new habitat. For surfers, the exposed reef is a sign that the bay is deeper and more wave energy will reach the bank. Predictably, some are interpreting it as the first step in 'the return of Kirra.'
Scientists involved are tempering the excitement of local divers and surfers saying there's no guarantee it won't disappear again. Says Rodger Tomlinson of Griffith University, "You can't always have a perfect surf break and maintain the beach and maintain a natural occuring reef."
Comments
Great news for not just surfers. I'd noticed that reef starting to boil a little when there's been swell but didn't realise how much has been uncovered. Lets just hope that we can keep it that way because I reckon its a great step in the right direction for the wave to work properly again. Fingers crossed for a couple of ECLs this winter to test the old girl out.
Lets hope Staitey
A couple of ECL's this winter would be great.
Hopefully there's no jandals washed up on that reef I can't free swim that far ;)
Great to see. Hope the divers didn't anchor up on the reef.
Haven't seen Andy Mac in years. Does he still do the SeaFM morning surf report?
Actually, does SeaFM still exist?
Kirra reef re-emerged about 9-12 months ago but I haven't noticed any corresponding improvement in the banks since then. I'd say the banks were actually better 12-16 months ago.
I swam out there last October (roughly) and it does look like more reef is exposed in that video compared to when I was there. Also the marine life has definitely taken off since then, it was more of a moonscape when I was checking it out.