The islands we visited are part of Lihou Reef, which is a strict nature reserve and can only be accessed under Commonwealth permit. Visiting these islands is a unique privilege.

Lihou Reef is a photographer’s paradise. Colourful fish and Tawny Nurse Sharks abound in just a couple of metres of water, whilst nesting boobies, noddies and frigatebirds are perfectly photogenic and approachable. Whether you know little or a lot about ocean wildlife, this is the trip for you.

About PROJECT LIHOU 4-15 December 2009

PROJECT LIHOU (“lee-hoo”) explored the wilderness of this “Serengeti of the sea”. Though rarely visited by humans, its remoteness does not mean it is untouched by the effects of our everyday lives. Sea level rise, ocean warming, cyclones and ocean acidification are concentrated at the tiny coral cays: a microcosm of global climate change effects and an ideal laboratory for our work.

It’s not just about the beauty of Lihou but the fact that all species and ecosystems on our blue planet are vital to the survival of our species. We are all connected.

Deep reefs were examined using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV – a type of robot) – exploring habitats never before seen by humans. Scientific divers surveyed lagoons, counted fish and assessed coral bleaching. Meanwhile, wildlife ecologists documented flora and fauna associated with coral cays and collected vital data on seabirds, turtles and seasnakes.