Our underwater residents
Ever wonder what goes on below the surface at Chowder Bay and Balmoral?
These photos by local teacher and SCUBA diver Iain Gray show just some of the wonderful creatures that make their home on our doorstep.
Included are some fine images of nudibranchs, among the most colorful creatures on earth.
“Some of the nudibranchs are only found at certain times of the year and some are only found at night, some only during the day. There is a definite night shift and day shift. Every now and then I spot a new one,” says Iain.
“Many nudibranchs are found under the jetties. Others prefer to be out in the middle of nowhere on the sand.”
“The huge variety of marine organisms is supported by the net and jetty pylon structures. Without these structures the bays of Mosman have less species diversity. A good comparison is Taylors Bay around the corner from Clifton Gardens. It has a very different mix of species.”
Iain recommends the Sea Slug Forum for more information about nudibranchs, bubble-shells, sea hares and other sea slugs.
He also passed on some good news about the sea horse population at Chowder Bay:
“Recently I spotted quite a few very pregnant sea horses at Chowder Bay so they appear to be happily repopulating the net and jetty.”
By sharing his underwater photographs with Mosman Council, Iain hopes to increase awareness of the Harbour environment.
More information
For more about our coastline and how to protect it, see our Coastal and Marine section.
