Oceans 2 Earth , shared anecdotes of her experiences working to conserve turtle populations on the shores of Peru and reintroducing elephants into the wild in the jungles of Thailand . Helen shared some of her knowledge around genealogy as well as her incredible photographs of jaguars . Timmy captivated the group with his deep knowledge of Torres Strait and Aboriginal culture .
The jam-packed days included coral health checks and monitoring , species identification , hiking , cultural education and a beach clean-up . The research efforts of the group were verified and will contribute to local , state , national and global research efforts regarding reef health .
The data collected by one group directly resulted in the identification of a new green turtle that had not been seen in the region before . Aptly , the turtle has been named ‘ Speedy ’ ( due to its fast underwater pace and also after one of our own students ).
While undertaking research the group interacted with the natural world on a completely different level . The boys saw ecosystems teeming with activity , from
reef sharks to anemone fish , playful octopi to giant blue spotted rays , and of course , they swam alongside green turtles . Everyone on the trip walked away with a new-found appreciation of the significance of such ecosystems . Equally , there was a strong sense of gratitude for being able to undertake such an incredible experience while among friends .
On Fitzroy and Green Islands , the boys learned the significance of each location to the First Nations people of the region , the Yirrganydji people . Timmy performed a welcome ceremony at each site and guided them through learning of his deep-rooted culture . He took the time to share the traditional crafts , dance , music , Dreamtime stories and spiritual significance of the land and animals in the region . The cultural immersion throughout the trip was clearly a highlight among the group .
In the inaugural year of the immersion camp , all walked away calmed by the sea and sun , mind-blown by the underwater spectacular and in a state of awe from the reminder of how truly special the natural world is .
BELOW : THE ENVIRONMENTAL
ACTION IMMERSION
GROUP DEPARTING FOR THE OUTER REEF .
RIGHT : STUDENTS BEGINNING THEIR REEF
MONITORING RESEARCH .
FAR RIGHT : TIMMY FROM OCEANS2EARTH
PROVIDING INSIGHTS INTO LOCAL ABORIGINAL
HISTORY AND CULTURE
2 SCOTCH COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER