In 2012 we welcomed PhD student Rachel Williams onboard for a special nautilus Research expedition. Five specimens were collected and shipped to their new home at Central Queensland University. Although they were given numerical identification for the research, they’ve also acquired pet names: Chris, Riley, Spoil, Sport and Bubbles (a bubble hog who holds onto the aerator).
The collected specimens are being observed with a variety of behaviour studies to assess how these ancient creatures respond to factors such as light wavelengths and food source. Rachel‘s research goal is to help produce data to assist with decisions on whether the nautilus needs formal protection against harvesting.
In 2013 we will be running six expeditions with a Nautilus capture and release program for the Central Queensland University research department. Nautilus traps will be set overnight at Osprey Reef and retrieved the next morning. Guests will have the rare opportunity to observe, photograph and dive with these deep sea creatures.
Expeditions with special Nautilus interactions are the 4 Night Fly Dive Coral Sea Expeditions and 7 Night Coral Sea Safaris departing on Thursday: March 7th, May 9th, July 11th, September 26th, November 21st and December 12th.
