Ep 3. Episode 3

Life on the Reef is an Australian documentary series that gives us a glimpse into the wonderful world that lies underwater. The show is set in the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world. Episode 3 of the first season takes us on an enthralling journey into the mesmerizing marine life that thrives in this magnificent ecosystem.

The episode starts by showing us the annual cycle of the Great Barrier Reef- the transition from the monsoons to pleasant skies in the Coral Sea. As the ocean waters start to calm down, a diverse range of creatures start to appear. The Low Isles, located on the outer reef, are a great spot for the turtles to mate. The coral cay atoll is surrounded by coral polyps that trap seawater by day and release it by night, thereby providing nutrients to the reef-building organisms.

Next, we take a glimpse into the life of the sea snakes that are found in the waters of the reef. The yellow-bellied sea snake is the most venomous species of snake in the world, but these sea snakes prefer to feed on small eels and fish. The show brings to light the fascinating courtship rituals of these snakes. It also shows us how these beautiful beings have adapted to their surroundings by evolving an ability to stay underwater for extended periods, which helps them catch prey.

The viewers are then introduced to the largest invertebrate on earth- the Giant Clam. These clams are the size of bathtubs and have a lifespan of up to 100 years. They rely on the photosynthetic algae in their tissue for food, and in turn, provide shelter for small fish and invertebrates.

The show then takes us on a thrilling rollercoaster ride- a Reef Shark feeding frenzy. We witness a large number of reef sharks that come together in a frenzy to feed on bait fish. The show explains how such feeding frenzies are rare, and it is even more uncommon to witness them.

The docu-series then moves on to show us marine farming in action. We see the Pisonia trees on Heron Island, which gather seabird droppings, which are known to be very rich in nitrogen. Over time, the droppings from the seabirds lead to nutrient-rich ecosystems that support large numbers of fish and other marine life.

The episode also shows us different ways in which humans interact with marine life. We witness a group of divers gathering poisonous cones for milking to produce an anti-venom. The cones contain some of the deadliest toxins in the world, and the show explains the dangers involved in collecting the toxins.

The final segment of the episode takes us to the annual coral spawning season. We see small glimmers of light coming from the coral reefs that indicate the release of millions of eggs and sperm. These sperm and eggs form plumes that drift in the underwater currents, ultimately leading to the formation of new colonies and reefs.

In conclusion, Life on the Reef Season 1, Episode 3 is an absolute treat for nature lovers. It takes us on an enchanting journey through the mesmerizing world of the Great Barrier Reef. The episode does an excellent job of bringing the underwater world to life and showcasing the sheer diversity and splendor of the marine life that thrives in this ecosystem. It is a must-watch for anyone who wishes to witness the wonders of the underwater world.