Cod Hole, Recreational dive site at Ribbon Reef #10, Queensland, Australia
Cod Hole is a recreational dive site at Ribbon Reef 10 in Queensland, Australia, with depths between about 33 and 100 feet (10 to 30 meters). The site sits along a coral wall lined with formations that rise along the reef's edge.
Underwater photographers Ron and Valerie Taylor publicised Cod Hole, after which divers began feeding the resident potato cod for around 20 years. The site's growing popularity coincided with a decline in the fish: the average number of potato cod seen per dive almost halved between 1992 and 1998.
Cod Hole takes its name from the dozen or so potato cod that live on Ribbon Reef 10. Underwater photographers Ron and Valerie Taylor publicised the site, and divers have fed these fish for about 20 years, a practice that made the spot a focus of debate over reef management.
Cod Hole is only reachable by multi-day liveaboard trips departing from Cairns, as it lies far out on the reef. Conditions tend to be most stable during the drier months, making that the preferred time for divers.
Potato cod at Cod Hole weigh 6–30 kg, not 100 kg. Underwater photographers Ron and Valerie Taylor publicised the site, and divers fed the fish for about 20 years. The average number of potato cod seen per dive almost halved between 1992 and 1998 as visitor numbers grew.
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