This week our eco-host Nicole led a group of lucky passengers on a guided mangrove walk through Hill Inlet. The group were treated to this cool sighting of a juvenile Shovelnose Ray!
This little guy, not much bigger than 30cm in length can expect to grow to almost 3m when fully grown! The mangroves act as the perfect nursery for many creatures during their early years, offering both food and protection from predators.
Mangroves are one of the core habitats found in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but are often overlooked as a muddy, smelly and full of sand flys! This doesn’t mean that mangroves don’t hold value! As a key nursery to over 70% of commercial fishing species, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy a catch of the day without this amazing habitat.
