Science Papers
Low Isles is not just a place to visit — it is an active site of scientific research. This page brings together published papers and reports connected to Low Isles and the surrounding reef, made available here for members and the wider community. We will continue to add to this collection as new research emerges.
A nursery habitat for sandfish (Holothuria scabra) found at Low Isles, northern Great Barrier Reef
Researchers made an unexpected discovery at Low Isles in June 2024 — juvenile sandfish (Holothuria scabra) emerging from the sand flat at dusk during low tide. This was the first recorded observation of this kind for the northern Great Barrier Reef region.
Sandfish are a commercially harvested sea cucumber species of significant global conservation concern. Finding juveniles at Low Isles suggests the island's extensive intertidal sand flat — together with patches of seagrass (Halophila ovalis) present there — may function as an important nursery habitat for this endangered species.
The study also recorded a population of sand stars (Archaster typicus) and a second, unidentified sea cucumber species at the same location. The paper concludes that Low Isles, as a protected site with minimal human disturbance, is a highly promising location for ongoing sandfish population research.
Special thanks are noted in the paper to Renata and Colin Musson, caretakers of Low Isles, for their support of the fieldwork.
Do you know of a published paper or report connected to Low Isles or the surrounding reef? We'd love to include it here. Please get in touch at lipsinport@gmail.com
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