Each August, around the full moon, the many species of corals that make up Bermuda’s reefs release gametes into the water. The action of waves and the wind push the spawned material into linear wind rows at the ocean’s surface. The oily spawn has a fishy smell and bright pink colour, and provides food for a variety of wildlife, along with creating the next generation of corals.
These photos and short video were taken by DENR’s Custodian of Historic Shipwrecks, Dr Philippe Rouja, at the public mooring over the wreck site of the Mary Celestia, on Saturday, August 20th 2022.
Coral spawning over the wreck of the Mary Celestia, South Shore, Bermuda. August 2022.