Page 27 - Port Douglas Magazine 42

CORAL & MARINE LIFE juvenile habitat of the elusive golden sand fish, an lighthouse and remove its keepers.
Dive into the inviting waters of Low Isles and endangered species. The group’s efforts include earlier co-
you’ll quickly understand why researchers were Birdlife around Low Isles is equally vibrant, management and safeguarding of the island and
so eager to explore these islands. with kingfishers, Australian pelicans, varied the development of education and protection
Recent transformations caused by Cyclone Jasper honeyeaters, and migratory visitors like Bridled programs for the Great Barrier Reef. Today, LIPS
have altered parts of the ecosystem, which has terns, Ruddy turnstones, and Pied Imperial thrives with dedicated volunteers who focus on
yet to fully recover. Although the corals and pigeons gracing the skies. Among these feathered maintaining and caring for the isles ensuring
rich marine life have been impacted, you can residents, ospreys have a particular fondness for their beauty and significance is preserved for
expect to encounter colourful parrot fish along the historic lighthouse on Low Island, where they future generations.
with a variety of other species, such as angelfish, have built their nests over many years.
damselfish, anemonefish (clownfish), trevally, CARETAKERS
rabbitfish, sweetlip, moon wrasse and fusiliers. LOW ISLES PRESERVATION SOCIETY Among those who get to experience the magic
Additionally, numerous species of seagrass serve This lighthouse is also where the story of the of Low Isles on a daily basis are island caretakers
as vital habitats and sources of nourishment Low Isles Preservation Society (LIPS) begins. Colin and Renata Musson. As full-time caretakers,
for a variety of marine creatures, including sea Constructed in 1878, the 20-metre-tall lighthouse they reside on the island and play a vital role.
cucumbers, spider shells, rays, green turtles, has served continuously as a guiding light for Driven by their deep passion for marine life and
and dugongs. The winter months have brought ships navigating the channel between Port fascination with Low Isles’ unique ecosystem and
reduced sea temperatures and attractive Douglas and Cairns. history, the couple relocated from Victoria where
conditions to include regular sightings of Originally powered by a kerosene lamp, it now they previously served as caretakers at Wilsons
Humpback Whales, Black Tip and Lemon Sharks shines as a solar-powered beacon. Promontory National Park light station for eight
and Mantas Rays in the Low Isles Lagoon. LIPS was established by the community in 1992 years.
A stroll on the sand flats at low tide can unveil in response to the Australian Maritime Safety No strangers to living on remote islands, the
intriguing finds too. Recent discoveries revealed a Authority’s (AMSA) decision to automate the couple’s decision to manage such sites was partly