Sea Slug Census: April 2018
6TH TO 15TH APRIL, 2018
Many sightings, many people involved, and many beautiful images.
But it is one, rather small and plain creature that stands out in the results from the 2018 Census.
Goniobranchus albonares ... Sighted by Robyn Wimbush, the Blue Pool, Bermagui, April 9th. View record on NatureMapr
Goniobranchus albonares is a tropical species, and had not previously been recorded south of Sydney. Such a finding highlights the value of projects such as this. Read the full report ...
LINKS TO RELATED NEWS AND NOTICES
Far South Coast Sea Slug Census sparks new discoveries. by Ian Campbell 16 April 2018. The RiotACT
THE BACKGROUND TO THE SEA SLUG CENSUS
The Sea Slug Census commenced in 2013, led by Professor Steve Smith, a marine ecologist based at Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW. Professor Smith recognised the valuable contribution that Citizen Science can play in such a study, and coordinates data collected by volunteer groups up and down the east coast of Australia. The Atlas of Life is one such contributor. Our records are of particular interest due to our southern location and the special ocean conditions in this region - most notably, the variations in the extent and timing of the EAC (East Australian Current). Matt Nimbs who works with Steve Smith says there are few records in our area so we are helping to fill in the gaps ... as well as having fun exploring our coastline.
Read more about Professor Smith's research on his SCU homepage.
For a detailed description of the sea slugs of NSW, download this recent research paper by Stephen Smith and Matt Nimbs of Southern Cross University.
Survey supported by:
