Temperate Reefs
What are they?
Temperate reefs are usually formed from rock, although jetty pylons and other hard structures often support the same animals and could be called mini-reefs. Many of the rocks that form our reefs are made from the limestone remains of ancient marine organisms and sediments. There are also barr iers along our coastline that are designed to protect the beach from wave action but, over time, marine animals attach themselves to these hard surfaces and create a colourful artificial reef environment.
What lives there?
Reefs are home to a wide range of animals, from colonies of sponges, sea squirts, bryozoans and corals to anemones, crabs, abalone, snails, lobsters and cave fish.
Photo courtesy SA Museum
Where are these habitats?
One of the northern-most temperate reefs in South Australia is at Semaphore. This reef is a series of flat rock platforms broken into strips by patches of sand. In contrast, a series of huge cement blocks were placed offshore in line with the Glenelg jetty to form a breakwater, which is now a popular snorkelling spot. Further south are two natural reefs at Hallet Cove and Port Noarlunga. The Hallet Cove reef is about 50m offshore, rising 1-2m above the surrounding sand while Port Noarlunga, Adelaide ’s most popular diving reef, is about 5m from the end of the jetty and is mostly exposed at low tide. It is located within a marine reserve and has an underwater interpretive trail.
To find out more about snorkelling or diving, visit the Marine Life Society of South Australia
Click here for a Temperate Reefs fact sheet (PDF 183kb)