Diario del proyecto ReefBlitz Queensland 2023

1 June is Day 1 of Reef Blitz 2023. The observations are coming in from Goolboodi (Orpheus) Island to Brisbane. The numbers are 131 observations of 75 species with 12 observers and 14 identifiers (26 people). The most observed species is Salad Coral (Turbinaria mesenterina). Reports from the Townsville snorkelers were challenging conditions with 1-2.5m visibility and best at Arthur Bay and Middle Reef. https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/reefblitz-2023...

Top observers: Adam Smith, Tobbias Missebuko and Matthew Wilke
Top identifiers: Baronsamedi, Jeffwj, adam_smith3

This project concludes on 8 June World Oceans Day and is aiming for 1500 plus observations so we need help please

Thank you very much to the committed iNaturalists, fishers, snorkelers and divers, beach walkers and birdwatchers who have added observations and identifications. This is a Day 4 and mid-project update as we aim to conclude on 8 June for World Ocean Day.

Collectively 130 people (49 and 81 identifiers) have achieved 619 observations of 278 species from throughout Queensland coastal areas. The top three observers are @adam_smith3 , @wilkie329 and @amber_bird1 . The top three identifiers are @adam_smith3, @ben_travaglini and @meta4

A snapshot is 42.5% of observations and 120 species of fish, 24% and 67 species of molluscs and 22% and 61 species of other animals.

The top three observed species in the project are Stripey Snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus), Moses' Snapper (Lutjanus russellii) and Flowerpot Corals (Genus Goniopora).

The spatial range of observations is from Cairns to Burleigh Heads with a majority of sightings from Townsville, Bowen and the Capricorn Bunker Group (Lady Elliot and Heron Island).

https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/reefblitz-2023..

It would be great if you can share knowledge with other people to be involved with a big focus on Thursday 8 June for World Oceans day.

Congratulations to the 61 observers and 94 identifiers (`155 people) who have contributed so far to the Reef Blitz 2023 project.
A milestone of over 1000 observations and 400 species has been reached so far. There is 1.5 days to go with the project finishing on midnight on 8 June World Oceans day.

The most observed species is the Moses' Snapper (Lutjanus russellii) and most observed coral is Flowerpot Corals (Genus Goniopora), most observed bird is Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) and crustacean is Crenate Swimming Crab (Thalamita crenata). Check out all the species here
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/reefblitz-2023?tab=species

The geographical range of observations is impressive with Port Douglas in the north and Surfers Paradise in the south. There are some huge gaps with no observations in the far north and no observations in the Coral Sea.

We are planning a big event for the final day with a Reef Blitz of John Brewer Reef with the Museum of Underwater Art and Sealink and 60 people.

The impact of Reef Blitz 2023 from 1-8 June was 1970 observations of 589 species by 83 observers and 132 identifiers (215 people). These numbers exceed the impact from Reef Blitz 2022.

A summary of the observation is Fish comprised 48.8% with the most observed species the Goldstripe Butterflyfish Chaetodon aureofasciatus and Moses’ Snapper Lutjanus russellii.

Most observed shark or ray was Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi)

Most observed coral was Greater Maze Corals Genus Platygyra

Most observed bird was Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae)

There were 138 observations of 38 threatened species.with the Small giant clam (Tridacna maxima )(vulnerable on CITES)

Pest species, 3 long-spined crown of thorns (Acanthaster planci) were observed by 2 people

Rare species- Redstrip tusjkfish (ie first time observed). https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/166077830

A small number of people made the majority of observations: Adam Smith 524, Matthew Wilke 499, Tobbias Missebuko 149, Rachelle Brown144. All others were less than 100 observations and 30 (our of 83) people made only 1 observation

The event organisers are interested in

1. Feedback on this years event and how to improve
2. Ideas and collaborators for a report or scientific paper on Reef Blitz results
3. Financial or in-kind support for proposed event 2024
4. Use of this data by community groups, schools, academics, tourism operators or management