special project

Sea Slug Census

6-15 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 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 ...

Plans are underway for the next Census ... watch the Atlas of Life website for details.

Again, well done and thank you to all involved in the Autumn 2018 Census!

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.

Full report from the Atlas of Life 2017 Sea Slug Census (report available here)