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26/12/2004: "The Belgian Expedition ........to the Great Barrier Reef 1967."

Occuring at a time when media interest in marine matters was still in the dark ages, and therefore it went largely un-reported, yet it was and still is the most extensive scientific survey of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Belgian Navy hired to the expedition this former British warship re-named De Moor. With a crew of 75 including Ron Taylor filming in large format motion picture film for seven months. Locations between Lady Musgrave and Lizard Islands, at a time when few people knew these waters very well.

Captain Wally Muller (formerly of Riversong and now Careelahcharter boats) was contracted to guide the De Moor through the largely uncharted waters of The Swain Reefs, and remained with the expedition as a support ship for the entire duration.

The pattern was ten days at sea, four days ashore. Noted coral reef scientists were invited to join along the way. At least three were participants with Project Stellaroid who I worked with two years later.

(My involvement with the Belgian Expedition was very low-key an un-official, therefore a great time was enjoyed with friendship and positive memories. A major lesson learned would be: How too many people underwater handicap projects as various mishaps occur and require attention).

Coral reef scientist, David Barnes of Townsville should be encouraged to write his memoirs of life aboard the De Moor as he travelled back to the UK aboard this ship and was aboard for eight months or more.