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    <title>Great Barrier Reef Info.com Tourism News</title>
    <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/</link>
    <description>Latest tourism news for Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas direct from the industry.</description>
    <copyright>Copyright 2008 Travstar.com Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.</copyright>    
    <item>
        <title>WHALES! WHALES! WHALES!</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1244</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        What a wonderful time of year to be visiting Port Douglas! Visitors to our region are being thrilled with amazing encounters with these fabulous creatures.&amp;nbsp; Passengers on board Poseidon are still having daily sightings of both the Dwarf Minke Whales and the Humpback Whales. 

The Minke's are still here and visiting the boats during stationary time at the mooring sites.&amp;nbsp; Passengers are having the opportunity to jump in and swim with the Minke's, having close up, personal encounters.&amp;nbsp; The Minke's will stay around this region until the end of September.
Meanwhile, for those who don't even get into the water, the vessel is meeting up with pods of Humpback Whales on the journey to and from Agincourt Reefs.&amp;nbsp;Often stopping to watch pods of up to 5 whales at a time.&amp;nbsp; Recently a mother and calf where spotted with the umbilical cord still attached.&amp;nbsp; The whales obviously enjoy these encounters as they display playful acts of tail slapping and breaching.
We have attached some amazing photo's taken by Oak Beach Productions onboard Poseidon, of the most recent sightings over the last few days.
If you have not been to the reef, now is the time to get out there and see these animals while the weather is great with clear water and lots of marine activity.
Inspire the Experience!
From the Team at Poseidon        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Friday, August 08 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1245</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        The Certified Divers ventured onto the outer wall at Moore Reef today. The conditions were optimal, which allowed divers a great vantage point to view a variety of Parrot Fish species that included the Dusky Parrotfish, Bleekers Parrotfish and the Indian Steephead Parrotfish. Attractions on the outer wall are the larger fish species, today divers got up close to Chevron Barracuda, Topsail Drummer Fish, Big Eyed Brim, Oriental Sweetlips and Onespot Snapper. The divers encountered a large variety of Cowrie Shells, Vase and Harp Shells along with some pretty unusual creatures known as Nudibranchs. These colourful little creatures exhibit vibrant colours which heed as a warning to predators that they are poisonous.Water Temperature: 24 CUnderwater Visibility: 20m +&amp;nbsp; 
CURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;S winds 20 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 22 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 29 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 18 knots&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 
3 DAY OUTLOOKAs per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Friday:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 20-25 knots Saturday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 20-25 knotsSunday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 20-25 knots        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Friday, August 08 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1228</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        Passengers on our Semi Sub tours saw it all today with reports of Giant Clams, Clown Fish, Barracuda, Sweetlip, Nudibranchs, Sea Cucumbers, Barramundi Cod, beautifully coloured Sweetlip and schools of Yellow Tail Fusiliers.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Snorkellers were also very impressed by some of the best preserved Staghorn, Plate &amp;amp; Boulder Corals in the region plus schools of Surgeon Fish, Buffalo Wrasse, Squid, Cuttlefish and coral munching Parrot Fish.
With the winds building up a little over the next few days the most comfortable option is to access the reef direct from Cairns, spending as little time as possible travelling and having an option to get off of the boat. Reef Magic II is a fast, stable catamaran cruising at 22knots delivering guests to our stable outer reef platform, Marine World, in only 90 mins.&amp;nbsp; Our position tucked in behind the reef is the perfect refuge from the swell with spacious decks, no crowds, and a full 5 hours to relax or take advantage of the full range of activities available.
Water Temperature: 24.5 CUnderwater Visibility: 18-20mtrs&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 
CURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 9 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 9 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 15 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;E winds 12 knots&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 
3 DAY OUTLOOKAs per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Tuesday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 10-15 knots Wednesday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 15-20 knotsThursday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 20-25 knots        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Tuesday, August 05 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1225</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        It was an absolute magnificent day out at Moore Reef today. The fish were very playful and the activities were endless. 
Just one of the many highlight today was the scuba diving. Many guests took advantage of the conditions and donned a scuba unit and headed into the underwater realm with our very talented and knowledgeable dive crew.
The highlights in the water spotted by snorkellers, divers and those in the semi submersible included Oceanic Trout, schools of Trevally, Clown Fish in their protective anemone, Red Snapper, beautiful bright yellow &amp;amp; black Moorish Idols, our resident Maori Wrasse, plus Coral munching Parrot Fish. Another great way to spot bigger animals is from the Scenic helicopter Flights. They provide a birds eye view of the reef structure, and passengers often spot sharks as they cruise over the deeper waters outside the reef.
Water Temperature: 24.5CUnderwater Visibility: 15-20mtrs&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 
CURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 2 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;ENE winds 8 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;ESE winds 6 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;NE winds 8 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOKAs per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Sunday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 10-15 knots Monday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 10-15 knotsTuesday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 10-15 knots        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Sunday, August 03 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1209</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        The divers enjoyed a spectacular array of wildlife today at Marine World, as they glided along underwater bommies on the outer wall at Moore Reef. This is the perfect environment for colourful Feather Stars and Whip Corals as periodic strong currents provide an abundant supply of planktonic food. Also nestled in the bommies were a variety of Sea Anemones that included the Tomato Anemone Fish, the Barrier Reef Anemone Fish and the Red and Black Anemone Fish. There was a large Yellow -margined Moray Eel exposed from its coral home and Sea Cucumbers blending in to the coral structures. The divers also sighted a school of Teira Batfish, seeking shelter from the open ocean along with Gold-lined Sea Brim, colourful Parrot Fish and Long Nosed Emperor and a MANTA RAY!.
The Semi Submersible toured the northern end of Marine World allowing the guests to view the magic of the ocean whilst keeping dry. The wildlife seen today included the Beaked Coral Fish, Six Banded Angel Fish and Yellow Tailed Fusiliers. Large schools of Bengal Sergeant Fish could be seen swimming amongst large structures of Branching Corals, Vase Corals and Plate Corals. The Sea Fans and Soft Corals provided plenty of colours and a great backdrop for schools of Sunset Wrasse, Golden Damsels and a Spotted Porcupine fish.Water Temperature: 24 CUnderwater Visibility: 25-30m&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 
CURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;ESE winds 12 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 9 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 15 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;E winds 6 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOKAs per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm
Tuesday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 15-20 knots Wednesday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 15-20 knotsThursday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 15-20 knots&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Wednesday, July 30 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1208</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        A fantastic day out at Marine World, the weather is stunning and excellent underwater visibility made for an awesome day out on the reef. Introductory divers enjoyed their first scuba dives and the amazing variety of fish that make their homes out at Marine World. They were accompanied by masked angel fish, barrier reef anemone fish, yellow lined snappers and schooling rabbit fish. Some of the larger fish inhabiting this environment include coral trout, snapper, trevally, red bass, barracuda and reef sharks. The snorkelling tours with our resident Marine Biologist were popular again today. The guests enjoyed the interpretive programs about the marine life and the surrounding ecosystem that is the Great Barrier Reef. Tropical Reef ecosystems are an incredibly diverse and complex environment with the reef being home to a dazzling array of fish and coral species. Everybody touring on the semi-submersible observed a part of this incredible blue world as they ventured to the northern side of Marine World. They explored the clam gardens seeing neon damsels, colourful anthias, green turtles, yellow tailed fusiliers and hundreds of bicoloured parrot fish swimming amongst the colourful, living, underwater coral structures.The Scenic Helicopter tours were enjoyed by everyone that chose to soar high above the reefs surface. The Vertical Magic Adventure offers a three dimensional view of the coral structures and contrasting colours of the ocean, and the chance to put the immense structure of the reef into perspective.The weather conditions look great for the next couple of days, so take advantage and come and explore the wonders of Marine World.Water Temperature: 24 CUnderwater Visibility: 25m&amp;nbsp; WOW!
CURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;E winds 7 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;E winds 7 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;E winds 6 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;NE winds 8 knots&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 3 DAY OUTLOOK:Monday: SW/SE winds 10-15 knotsTuesday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 15-20 knotsWednesday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 15-20 knots        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Tuesday, July 29 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1191</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        Conditions were fantabulous today; Moore Reef was teaming with reef life! Highlights included Giant Clams, Clown Fish darting in and out of their protective Anemone, Barracuda, Mackerel, a couple of Silver Whalers, Loggerhead Turtles and a solitary Eagle Ray sifting the sandy bottom in search of food. The water temperature is currently a very comfortable 24c.
Fish feeds are conducted daily in front of the windows of our underwater observatory ensuring those guests not wanting to spend much time in the water can still experience the wonders of the reef. Our guided snorkel tours are very popular with the non-swimmer who is escorted personally by our marine naturalist complete with oodles of flotation devices, a lesson in snorkelling and a hands on interpretation of the reef corals and fish life.
Water Temperature: 24 CUnderwater Visibility:&amp;nbsp; 10-15&amp;nbsp; metres
3 DAY OUTLOOKFriday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 20/25 knotsSaturday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 15/20 knotsSunday:&amp;nbsp;SE/E winds 10/15 knots&amp;nbsp;As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Friday, July 25 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1138</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        It was a good day out at Moore Reef today. The fish were very playful and the activities were endless. A highlight of today was the scuba diving, with tours led by our very talented and knowledgeable dive crew. Many guests took advantage of the conditions and donned a scuba unit and headed into the underwater realm, some for the very first time. Highlights in the water today included Oceanic Trout, schools of Trevally, Clown Fish in their protective anemone, Red Snapper, beautiful bright yellow &amp;amp; black Moorish Idols, our resident Maori Wrasse, plus Coral munching Parrot Fish. Marine World is located alongside some of the best preserved Plate, Staghorn &amp;amp; Boulder Corals in the region.
For those who preferred to admire the scenery from the comfort of the underwater viewing observatory, the daily fish feed attracted an abundance of tropical reef fish. Who says there is no such thing as free lunch! Giant Clams, Clown Fish, Sweetlips, Nudibranchs, Sea Cucumbers, schools of Yellow Tail Fusiliers, Reef Sharks and some playful turtles could be seen from the comfort of the Semi Sub, which took in the sights of the North wall. The Heli-Magic scenic flights were also popular. These flights are excellent for a birds eye view of the reef, Turtles, Sharks and Sting ray sightings. 
Water Temperature: 24 CUnderwater Visibility:&amp;nbsp; 10-12 metresCURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 14 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;S&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; winds&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 8 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 15 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 4 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOKMonday:&amp;nbsp;SE&amp;nbsp; winds&amp;nbsp; 10-15 knotsTuesday:&amp;nbsp;SE/E winds 15-20 knotsWednesday:&amp;nbsp;S/SE winds 25-30 knots&amp;nbsp;As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Sunday, July 20 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1134</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        What a great day on the outer barrier reef today.&amp;nbsp; Snorkellers observed schools of smaller Fusiliers, Damsels, Butterfly fish, Drummer fish, Angel fish and Surgeon fish. Many guests found Nemo out there at Moore Reef today as well. This species lives in the anemones found amongst the hard and soft corals of the reef structure. There are actually 26 different species of anemone fish worldwide, in particular look out for the Barrier Reef Anemone fish and the Clown Anemone fish. If you are really observant and lucky you may even spot the hundreds of tiny eggs that they lay at the base of their anemone. The closer you look and the more attention you give to the reef, the more of its wonderful inhabitants and secrets will be revealed to you.
Divers of the day took a closer look at some smaller colourful nudibranches, a gang of Christmas tree worms and a small Puffer fish. The larger Barracuda, a Bumphead Parrotfish, schools of Trevally and some Spotty Mackerel were also seen swimming along the edge of the dive site known as The Wall.&amp;nbsp; Fish feeds are also conducted daily in front of the windows of our Underwater Observatory ensuring those guests not wanting to spend much time in the water can still experience all the wonders of the reef. Experience the Magic
Water Temperature: 24 CUnderwater Visibility:&amp;nbsp; 20 metres
3 DAY OUTLOOKFriday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 15-20 knotsSaturday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 10-15 knotsSunday:&amp;nbsp;SE/E winds 10-15 knots&amp;nbsp;As per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Friday, July 18 2008</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title>Reef Report</title>
        <link>http://www.greatbarrierreefinfo.com/news.php#1098</link>
        <description><![CDATA[
        2 MANTA RAYS PLAYING ON THE OUTER REEF WALL AT MARINE WORLD SEEN BY PEOPLE ON THE SEMI SUBMERSABLE !!!!!!Reef animals use their shapes, behavior and body structures in a variety of ways to help them blend intocoral structures and survive. An easy example to find is a stripy fish such as a Red Breasted Wrasse or Humbug. The lines on their bodies help to break up the outline of the fish so they blend into the coral, a bit like zebras in Africa. Also look out for red fish. These fish are most likely to be found hiding underneath the coral or in crevasses, as red really disappears in dim light conditions. As a result red fish like soldier fish and squirrel fish are often seen swimming around at night. Reef fish have adapted to their surrounding environment and produced a number of different ways to defend themselves. Water Temperature: 24 oCUnderwater Visibility:&amp;nbsp; 20-25metresCURRENT OBSERVATIONSAs of: 4pm TodayMarine World:&amp;nbsp;S winds 20 knotsLow Isles:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 17 knotsGreen Island:&amp;nbsp;SSE winds 23 knotsCairns Airport:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 14 knots
3 DAY OUTLOOKSunday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 20-25 knotsMonday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 20-25 knotsTuesday:&amp;nbsp;SE winds 20-25 knotsAs per Bureau of Meteorology-Cooktown to Cardwell at 3pm        ]]></description>
        <pubDate>Sunday, July 13 2008</pubDate>
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