EXPERIENCING MARINE SANCTUARIES’ (EMS) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, non-government organisation. The program is based on (with permission) the highly successful New Zealand program ‘Experiencing Marine Reserves’. An important component of EMS’s approach to education is to give children and parents (and grandparents) a safe and professionally supervised ‘hands on’ experience of our unique and beautiful marine life.
They aim to;
FOSTER - appreciation and conservation of the marine environment
PROMOTE - the establishment, effective monitoring and management of marine sanctuaries
INSPIRE - people to become citizen scientists and actively participate in marine conservation
EDUCATE - and engage through experience in the marine environment
DEMONSTRATE - the value of marine sanctuaries
'EMS coordinators are qualified first aid, snorkelling and/or diving instructors and offer guidance, direction and co-ordination of in water experiences. EMS provides mask (goggles), snorkel, fins (flippers) and wetsuits. For many participants it is their first time snorkelling, therefore having a ratio of one parent to two students assists with supervision and safety.'
From 14th-19th January 2021 we visited and conducted 'Community Snorkels' at the 4 locations highlighted below with an amazing team of Volunteer's and support crew.
ROAD TRIP - 'and away we go' - Departing Adelaide early Wednesday morning with a 6hr drive ahead of us to our first destination, Cowell (Flat Rock Beach). For safety we factored in mandatory pit stop's including the obligatory bakery, fuel & toilet breaks along with abiding by road safety fatigue factors - (Drive 2hrs with a break/or change driver).
Road Trip Itinerary below
Approx. 1,900kms
As we approached Cowell we took a moment to appreciate the local Silo Artwork, as there are many located all over the Eyre Peninsula. This was 1 of 4 Silo Art locations I had on my 'Must See' itinerary as well as many other tourist hot-spots that were planned along the way.
Shorty after, we arrived at our over-night stay at the Cowell Foreshore Caravan Park to unpack and settle in for 'the calm before the storm' of the pending Community Snorkels as the remainder of the team arrived slowly filtered in from the long drive.
Taking a moment to stretch, relax and recover from the long drive a few of us took a casual walk along the local boardwalk which spans above the mangroves that cover a large area of the local coastline. At the end of the boardwalk was a covered outpost I figured was for bird watching, a nature moment or just contemplating life. Upon reflection of the beauty and the serenity before us, we realised how fortunate life is. It was then reality kicked in, and it was time for a family-style dinner, chat and early turn-in.
Next morning, it was time 'volunteer up' and head to Flat Rock Beach to setup the Marquee, wash tubs, fins, mask, wetsuits & registration desk ready for the participants (37) spread over 2 snorkel times for the day with 13 volunteers including support from amazing National Parks & Wildlife Service (NP&WS) and Eyre Peninsular Landscape Board staff.
'Proudly supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inspiring SA – this funding and in-kind volunteer support enable EMS to offer these snorkel tours at up to 85% off the normal price.'
Without the funding and support of NP&WS and Inspiring SA the annual Eyre Peninsula event would likely not occur, so a heart felt Thanks & Gratitude goes out to them & the amazing support staff.
The day was challenging with onshore winds and there were initial concerns of cancelling the event, however with participants and support staff already on-site, long distances travelled and showing enthusiasm of what Flat Rock may reveal gave us hope.
"The Flat Rock formation is a visible remnant of the ice age and snorkelers will experience an amazing variety of colourful fish and plant life on the reef and surrounding habitats."
An executive decision was made to continue with the snorkel tours and it proved to be a successful day with many highlights, such as many large dusky morwong, decorator crabs, eagle ray, silver whiting, blue swimmer crabs and tommy ruffs.
The range of participants were varied and mixed reflecting the diversity in our marine environment. We had families with young to teenage children, young couples to ageing couples and individuals happy to mix and meet others.
I relate the indicator of the success of the day is the exuberance, energy, smiles and chatter coming from the groups and individuals as they made the wet and sandy walk back to wash their gear and dry off sharing their experience, stories & sightings.
Great Team effort by all, but it's not over yet..... 'YES' it's time to re-pack the trailer and head to the next event location at Tumby Bay, but not before driving all the way to Pt Lincoln for our nights stay at the local YHA.
If you haven't been to Port Lincoln or experienced the Eyre Peninsula then I hope this Blog inspires you to 'Enjoy SA' and get out there. Below are some snapshot's - the coastline on the approach to Pt Lincoln, YHA lobby, YHA Dorm room and adjacent Craft Brewery.
After unpacking personal items, EMS equipment and eskies full of groceries & perishables for team breakfasts and dinners the group slowly split into many factions. Some decided to rest, grab some alone time, hit the local sites or grab a Beer at an adjacent Craft Brewery.
After re-grouping we sat down to a family style BBQ dinner with some de-briefing and socialising along with a little recovery time. Dinner and clean-up done, most of us hit the 'Dorm', showered and grabbed some much needed Zzzzzzzzz' for an early morning was upon us with a 40min drive back to Tumby Bay.
Up at 6.30am for an early morning, priorities first was to make the coffee, brew the 12 cup (percolator) then prepare breakfast, pack a lunch and hit the road to be at Tumby Bay by at least 8.00am to do a site safety assessment, briefing and set-up ready for participants arrival around 9.00am.
'The sandy white beaches, clear blue water and great fishing offer plenty of options for the whole family. Fishing, sailing, swimming and diving – you can do it all in Tumby Bay. Ever seen a leafy sea dragon up close? Dive down deep around the jetty and see them in the wild! It’s a magical experience that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.'
The weather was not ideal again, and some concerns were raised with the site with onshore winds for the participants experience and safety. Again we pushed through with 3 snorkel groups for the day and shared the daily roles between all volunteers and once more we had amazing support from NP&WS as lead guides, kayak and shore support roles.
As the participants filtered in for registration we started to recognise some familiar faces and after a bit of friendly banter we realised there were 5 groups of people/families who were booked into the entire Eyre Peninsula events. WOW, this was sooo exciting and impressive for EMS to have such a following from people, just shows what a draw card and amazing the EMS and the Eyre Peninsula is.
Highlights of the day were many, but let's start with the participants smiles, chatter and gratitude to be witnessing our wonderful marine life that some have never experienced. The soft corals, sponges and sea grasses were high on the chatter, along with the sighting of a Leafy Sea Dragon by one group. Also spotted were small schools of whiting, some cowfish and many other fish species.
But the marine/wildlife escapade didn't stop in the water, snorkelers were treated to a large squadron of pelicans on the beach as they walked back to wash their gear. As the final groups of snorkelers and guides filter in to bring another successful the day to a close everyone pitched in to pack up. Finally everyone dry, change of clothes, hydrated and snacks demolished it was time to hit the road back to Port Lincoln to re-group and consider 'Rest Day' options.
Long drives, 2 snorkel events, pack/unpack, tired and sore bodies called for a mandatory 'Rest Day'. Well, how did that go 😂 😆 - not well for most as the majority of us took to sightseeing around Port Lincoln, whereby others took the opportunity to rest and recharge....such wise people.
Whalers Way and the Lincoln National Park was a popular choice for the days outing, so decision made it was time to hit the road in a convoy of 3 vehicles. It was an enjoyable drive to bask in the moment & to breath a sigh of relief, to switch-off and be a tourist for the day.
