Saturday
Dived at Leadsman N this is in the sanctuary (no take area) Kerry conducted fish counts at 120 mrgin and at the 160 terrace. There were lots of fish and in particular
- Slinger
- Yellowtail
- Blueskin
- Rock cod
Kerry focuses on commercially important species and coelacanth prey items.
She also saw what she believes is a new species of fish (a new species of goldie) in branching glass sponges between 150-180 m and the sponge is found on vertical walls. Deeper it gets dark and species are different. They found 20 red sea urchins and a small shark (possibly a swel shark one of the prey items consumed by coelacanths). She also saw a huge ball of orange fish sweeping over the canyon. They collected what looks like a new brittle star with a large orange disc and 20 legs.
It does not apear to be coelacanth habitat though as there is little cave structure, the geology is very interesting and pictures of arches at 130m and the terrace at 160m (possible old sea level stand) were taken for Andrew Green.
Had no feedback from ship the weather was windy and no diving could take place, I observed the ship moving in organised patterns in Sodwana Bay, they appeared to be collecting grab samples and collecting/servicing equipment such as ADCP's.
Hope to have more feedback today.