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St. Lucia's Underwater World at its very best: Coral Spawning at Anse Chastanet

Nature was right on time last weekend providing a series of spectacular coral spawning performances that were witnessed on the reefs at the Anse Chastanet Resort. Corals spawn by releasing millions of packets of egg and sperm cells that appear underwater as massive pink and white clouds that slowly drift to the surface where fertilization occurs.

Based on 15 years of experience at the resort witnessing coral spawning, it was predicted the main spawning events would occur on Saturday, August 20. While much of the coral spawning process remains a mystery, it is known that somehow each species of coral on a reef synchronizes the timing of its spawning, which takes place only once each year. The key controlling factors seem to be the water temperature, the moon's cycle, length of daylight hours and the tides. The development of the eggs and sperms are triggered by rising water temperatures during the summer leading to the spawning in late summer or early fall. Experience has determined the ideal time for the release of the reproductive cells seems to be a week or so after a full moon when tides and currents are diminishing providing more hospitable conditions for the fertilization process. Also, the process always begins an hour or two after sunset providing the cover of darkness as well.

Based on these predictions, divers at Anse Chastanet were in the water ready to witness this unique spectacle. Lit by dive lights, the event began at 7:30 p.m. when Boulder Brain corals started releasing their reproductive cells. This was followed at 9:00 p.m. when the Smooth Brain corals got into the act. Around 10:00 Boulder Star corals joined in. Lobster and shrimp larvae also were on hand to add to the magnitude of the display.

The advantage of this mass spawning process is to increase the chances of survival for the larvae. During spawning most will be eaten by fish and other sea organisms, but the huge numbers overwhelm the predators insuring that many will live to propagate the species. Because of this, Anse Chastanet divers who witnessed the event were also treated to viewing schools of fish that appeared and resident crabs and lobsters that emerged from the reef to partake of this feeding frenzy.

Also joining in was a large Southern Stingray that was attracted by the crustaceans and a small school of squid which were after the wealth of available prey as well.

The fun wasn't quite over as on Sunday, divers again went in the water as from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., a group of Ruby Brittle Starfish showed up to spawn. It is known that this event always occurs a day after the coral spawning.

Each year Anse Chastanet publicizes the predicted date of the spawning to allow resort guests to make plans to be on hand for this enjoyable display. While divers at the resort witness the events on the Anse Chastanet Reef directly off the beach, it is assumed that the spawning events happened at the same time on other reefs around the island.

FREE NITROX AT SCUBA ST. LUCIA

If you have not yet gotten certified in the use of Nitrox Enriched Air, Anse Chastanet Resort in Saint Lucia offers scuba divers free completion of the course and free Nitrox in conjunction with a one week stay at the resort until Dec 19, 2012. To be eligible, sign up for the PADI eLearning Nitrox Course and complete the academic portion at home in your leisure time. Just go to the dive centre's website and select 'Courses'; scroll down the page and you will find the PADI eLearning icon to click on. This will allow you to register and complete the academic requirements on line and the dive centre will be notified by PADI. The cost of the course is US$195. Then, when you arrive with us at the resort you will complete the practical portion of the course at no additional cost and get Nitrox free for all of your dives during your stay.

The resort special summer dive deal weekly package is available for US 1869 per certified diver in double occupancy.

The dive deal package includes:7 nights run of house accommodation, airport transfers, breakfast, lunch , afternoon tea and dinner, all tax/service, welcome drink and fruit basket on arrival, 12 beach or boat dives incl of tank, weights, belt, mask, snorkel, fins (other equipment at a charge if needed, marine park fee to be paid locally) comp non motorized watersports

A marine park fee of US 15 is to be paid locally. The package is available to certified divers. Please bring your c cards with you. As you are aware certain medical conditions prevent you from diving. If you have any concerns, please address them prior to travel with your diving physician or contact our scuba shop at scuba@candw.lc.

Lush, tropical ANSE CHASTANET is one of the Caribbean's most scenic resort hideaways. Nestled amidst a 600 acre estate with two soft sand beaches bordering pristine coral reefs, ANSE CHASTANET is in complete harmony with its natural surroundings and right in the heart of the island's marine reserves. The active will enjoy the resort's amazing range of adventure facilities.

Facilities include two restaurants & bars, the Kai Belté spa, mountain bike facility with 12 miles of trails, kayaking centre, 42 ft sailing yacht, boutiques, library and art gallery

The resort diving operation SCUBA ST.LUCIA caters to beginners and experienced divers alike Nitrox is available. Beach, boat, wall and wreck diving are all offered. The night dives right on the ANSE CHASTANET reef are a highlight for any diver. Look for THE THING !

To book, call 1-800-223-1108 or email the resort at ansechastanet@candw.lc.

SCUBA ST.LUCIA BECOMES NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DIVE CENTER

Scuba St. Lucia, situated in the heart of St. Lucia's Marine Reserve at Anse Chastanet Resort, is proud to announce that their PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort has also recently become St. Lucia's only National Geographic Dive Centre. Scuba St. Lucia is the first dive centre in the Windward Islands to receive this prestigious and exclusive accreditation.

In 2004, PADI International and the National Geographic Society teamed up to bring the diving industry the most exciting and quality driven diving experience to date to only a limited number of diving centres around the globe. Dive courses within the National Geographic course curriculum offer great in depth training, education and exploration into the underwater realm.

Being the first and only PADI National Geographic dive centre in St. Lucia, SCUBA ST.LUCIA is recognized for providing the utmost quality and professionalism when it comes to diver education and experiences.

SCUBA ST. LUCIA INTRODUCES NITROX
Scuba St. Lucia is proud to announce the introduction of the latest state-of-the- art Nitrox system! Scuba St.Lucia's Nitrox system is a Nuvair LP420 Membrane
System. This will be connected to the centre's K15 Bauer Compressor that is
filtered through a Bauer secure filtration system providing the highest quality Nitrox.

Scuba St.Lucia is happy to offer Nitrox filled tanks to all divers who are already
certified in Nitrox. Those wishing to learn to dive with Nitrox can take advantage
of an introductory course by one of Scuba St.Lucia's experienced instructors
to learn about the great benefits of Nitrox and its usage.