SURG, in conjunction with the Southern Cross University, National Marine Science Centre, will be holding their second Coffs Coast Sea Slug Census on the 10th to the 12th of January, 2020. (Note the survey has been extended to include Friday). The event, beginning at midnight on Thursday and finishing at midnight on Sunday, will include all the waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park as well as coastal waters to Brooms Head in the north and Sawtell in the south.
Some sea slugs photographed during the 2019 Census
If you are interested in this Census you do not need to be SURG members to take part. We are hoping more Coffs Coast Citizen Scientists with an interest in the animals found along our coastline will take part in this unique event.
Participants simply need to find and photograph as many species of sea slugs as possible and submit their photographs by the following Sunday, 19th January, to be in the running. Prizes will be awarded for the most species, the most unusual species and the best photograph, at a special SURG meeting on the 12th February at the National Marine Science Centre downstairs auditorium.
The Census is also open to non divers. Many species, including some of the more exotic and unusual can be found in the rock pools or shallow waters adjacent to the many rocky headlands and rock platforms on this section of coast. Low tide will be later in the afternoon, meaning participants will be able to snorkel or dive on the high tide in the morning and do a rock platform ramble in the afternoon, to make the most of the opportunity.
Last year 97 unique species were recorded and organisers are hoping to better this in January.
To register for the event please complete the registration and liability waiver forms here
and the Photographs entry form, to accompany your photographs, here
Sea Slug Census Photograph form.pdf
Send your completed registration/waiver form to info@surg.org.au prior to the 10th January, photos and completed Photograph details form to info@surg.org.au by the 19th January at the latest. Photos received after that date cannot be included.
https://www.surg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sea20slug20census20photographs20form_0.pdf
https://www.surg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sea20slug20census_0_3-1.pdf
