The South Coast Sea Slug Census is on for the weekend of 12-13 January.
With nudibranchs it's usually love at first sight, particularly if you like taking photos. But how much do you really know about them? Do you know anything at all? This weekend will give you a chance to see nudis and their relatives as never before. The Nature Coast Marine Group are fortunate that Matt Nimbs, who is a scientist from Southern Cross University in northern NSW and who is a specialist in this area, will be coming down to lead the community in this entertaining and educational event.
The Batemans part kicks off with a presentation from Matt at 12 noon, Sunday 13 January, in the Marine Park/National Parks conference room (corner of Graham and Burrawang Streets, Narooma). The presentation and discussion will be for an hour to an hour and a half. From there we will head to the Narooma wharf area where participants who want to will dive and snorkel, with the objective of recording and photographing each species of nudibranch and the other sea slugs seen. After the event participants will send their photos to seaslugcensus@gmail.com so they can be logged by the experts. After the data has been analysed Matt and Prof Steve Smith will provide a report on the census results overall.
In addition to the Narooma activity on the 13th, there will be a parallel set of activities on Saturday 12 January further south (this part is being organised by the Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness - see atlasoflife.org.au).
The Nature Coast Marine Group encourage you to come along. You can be confident that your participation will be part of a serious citizen science effort, which may produce useful information, particularly on biogeography. If you are planning to come or have any questions, please get in touch.
And don't forget -
Shorebirds and Marine Debris, Beachcomber Holiday Park, via Potato Point
Learn about the shorebirds which nest around the Tuross Lake and the many threats they must overcome (with our help) if they are to survive into the future. Also learn about the problem of marine debris, particularly plastics, and what is being done to try to deal with it.
Place: Beachcomber Holiday Park, via Potato Point
Time: 9.30 - 11.00 am, Tuesday 15 January
And
Broulee Rock Shelf Walk, Monday 21 January, 3.00 - 4.00pm
The Nature Coast Marine Group will take you for a walk on the Broulee Rock Shelf, where you can discover a wealth of marine life. It's not exactly hidden, but you will see a lot more with the help of a knowledgeable NCMG guide.
Bookings required, to Jenny Edwards on 4471 5032.
