Are divers destroying the Great Barrier Reef's Cod Hole?

Abstract

The Cod Hole is one of the best known dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. It harbors an assemblage of up to 16 potato cod (Epinephelus tukulas), each weighing up to 100kg. The cod are exceptionally tame and eagerly wait to be fed scraps by recreational divers. In the last four years the number of divers has increased dramatically. Although the area is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, there is no restriction on the number of boats, divers or the activities of divers. Divers commonly attempt to touch the cod and hold their tails for a ride. During the black marlin season game boats entertain their clients on slow days by dangling a tail roped tuna from the back of the boat. The cods fight for the bait as the crew tug the rope. In the process the fish inflict wounds on each other. The cod who gets the bait incurs additional mouth and body damage in the resulting tug of war. The wounds commonly leave scars. To reduce anchor damage on the corals from increased boat usage, moorings were installed. Concrete mooring anchors further diminish the beauty of this wilderness area.