Steve's Scuba Site

Adelaide's weather in February

2012-01-20T02:17:00.001-08:00

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2012, February’s weather (in Adelaide) is “the hottest and driest month of the year.” The maximum exceeds 35° C on the 6 hottest days” Winds on ½ of days exceed 12km/h at 9am & 16km/h at 3pm. The afternoon sea breeze is from the SW.

Underwater trail at Second Valley

2012-01-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of the MLSSA Journal can be found at http://www.mlssa.asn.au/journals/2011journal.pdf . It includes several articles of mine about Second Valley jetty and the 'underwater trail' to be found there.

SETTLEMENT MONITORING PROJECT FOR PhD

2012-01-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

Flinders University PhD student Shea Cameron is conducting a settlement monitoring project. He has set experiments up at Rapid Bay, Second Valley, Edithburgh and Wool Bay jetties. Some photos can be seen at https://picasaweb.google.com/112655451283781579737/SDFNewsSheetFebruary2012.

INTER-CLUB GET TOGETHER

2012-01-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

SDFSA member clubs have decided to get-together once more in 2012 for a dive & BBQ. The get-together will be located at Rapid Bay on 26th February (with back-up dates of 11/3 & 18/3). There will be an a.m. dive followed by a p.m. BBQ and 3 competitive events. The tides are apparently good for diving that morning (26/2). Dives can be made by boat or at the 2 jetties. The Coastal Waters Dive Club is the reigning champion, having won all 2011 events. The Sea Wolves aim to change all of that in 2012. They are challenging all clubs to take them on. They will also provide a marquee for the day. The SDF is providing prizes and trophies, including the famous ‘Gold Lead’ award, for the events. Clubs are requested to organise one event each on the day. They can choose from volleyball, tug-o-war, 1-flipper race, fin toss and balloon tossing. The SDFSA needs clubs to confirm their participation immediately.

SA MARINE LIFE CALENDARS

2012-01-04T20:26:00.001-08:00

MLSSA has established a Facebook page for its SA Marine Life Calendars at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/SA-Marine-Life-Calendars-by-the-Marine-Life-Society-of-South-Australia/238264916242379 . The Marine Life Society’s 2012 calendars of SA marine life have now almost sold out, partly thanks to the new Facebook page.

'Shark attack' term is misleading

2012-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

According to
http://www.braidwoodtimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/shark-attack-term-misleads-people-expert/2410515.aspx?storypage=1, 'shark attack' term is misleading

Cuttlefish

2012-01-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

There is a Facebook cause for Whyalla's cuttlefish. Visit the site
at http://www.causes.com/causes/629861-save-a-species-whyalla-cuttlefish. Please join the cause & become involved. There are links to videos, photos and a petition. Sarah Catalano, a
PhD student from the University of Adelaide, is studying a tiny parasite found in the kidneys of Australian giant cuttlefish from Upper Spencer Gulf. (Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/tiny-cling-ons-may-help-cuttlefish/story-e6frea83-1226230290906)

Redmap Australia

2011-11-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

Fishers and divers can report sightings of species that are unusual or ‘out of range’ in a given area to Redmap (www.redmap.org.au). The project is now being developed Australia-wide. I attended the first planning workshop held in Tasmania for the National Steering Committee for Redmap Australia on November 22 and 23rd. I was there as the Australian scuba diving representative. Could any one please let us know if they have noticed any new or unusual species?

Jetty News - BLUFF JETTY

2011-10-23T03:30:00.000-07:00

The jetty at the Bluff at Victor Harbor should now be repaired and open to the public and there should also be a ladder on the jetty. (It had been without a ladder for several years.)

Redmap

2011-10-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

I have been appointed the dive representative on the National Steering Committee for Redmap Australia. Their first planning workshop is being held in Tasmania November 22 and 23rd. Fishers and divers can report sightings of species that are unusual or ‘out of range’ in a given area to Redmap. The project is being developed Australia-wide.
www.redmap.org.au
Could any one please let us know if they have noticed any new or unusual species?

SA weather for November

2011-10-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2011, Adelaide’s weather in November is “mostly warm, although cooler periods can still occur. The maximum exceeds 30° C on the 6 hottest days and the minimum falls below 10°C on the 6 coldest nights.” Winds on ½ of days exceed 15km/h at 9am & 17km/h at 3pm. The main directions is SW. This is the most common time of the year for thunderstorms to occur.

Adelaide's weather in October

2011-10-08T02:03:00.000-07:00

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2011, Adelaide’s weather in October is “mild to warm, with a few hot days and occasional windy conditions. The chance of rainfall decreases. The maximum is above 26° C on the 6 warmest days and the minimum falls below 8°C on the 6 coldest nights.” Winds on ½ of days exceed 16km/h at 9am & 18km/h at 3pm. Main directions are N to NE at 9am & SW at 3pm as sea breezes develop.

SA's weather in September

2011-09-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2011, Adelaide’s weather in September is “On average . . . (the) windiest month. . . . Conditions are generally cool to mild, though a few warm days are experienced.” The maximum is above 22° C on the 6 warmest days and the minimum below 7°C on the 6 coldest nights. On average, frost occurs on 1 day. Winds on ½ of days exceed 15km/h at 9am & 18km/h at 3pm. Main directions are N at 9am & SW at 3pm as sea breezes begin to re-occur.

Prof. Bronwyn Gillanders awarded SA scholarship

2011-08-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Professor Bronwyn Gillanders. She was one of six ladies recently awarded $15,000 State Government scholarships. Science Minister Jay Weatherill presented the ladies with their scholarship awards at the Women In Science Symposium on 22^nd August at the RiAus Science Exchange.

SECOND VALLEY JETTY

2011-08-23T04:38:00.001-07:00

The Second Valley jetty will be closed for repairs until 30/10. Further damage had occurred to the jetty during a storm on 20th June, resulting with the jetty requiring extensive repairs. The earlier work being done on the jetty was suspended until 5th September due to risks associated with weather during July and August. Works recommenced on 5th September and they were estimated to continue until the end of October, including reinstating the stairs. The jetty was to be reclosed to the public during these works. It will be good to have the jetty fully repaired and have stairs available once more. An article about the jetty and stairs can be found at http://www.mlssa.asn.au/cgi-bin/Newsletters.cgi?year=2011&nl=MLSSA_NL_384_August_2011.htm .

Facebook cause for Whyalla's cuttlefish

2011-08-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

I know that it's been 9 weeks between blogs, but that's mostly due to problems posting to my site rather than a lack of things to blog about. I want to tell everyone about the Facebook cause for Whyalla's cuttlefish. Visit the site at

http://www.causes.com/causes/629861-save-a-species-whyalla-cuttlefish. Please join the cause & become involved. There are links to videos, photos and a petition.

Adelaide's weather in July

2011-06-16T04:37:00.000-07:00

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2011, Adelaide’s weather in July is “On average . . . the coldest … of the year. . . Significant showers are common. The maximum is above 17° C on the 6 warmest days and the minimum below 5°C on the 6 coldest nights. On average, frost occurs on 3 nights. Winds on ½ of days exceed 12km/h at 9am & 16km/h at 3pm. Main directions are N-NE at 9am & SW to NW at 3pm”.

Divers see waterspouts at Adelaide wreck site

2011-06-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

On 30^th May, up to 4 waterspouts were seen near Avoca Beach, on NSW's central coast. Visit
http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/australia-waterspout-videos-storms-nsw-coast-2795735.html#ixzz1O1VBO1ss for details. Dive industry veteran Les Graham was in a boat at the site of the ex-HMAS Adelaide when 2 waterspouts could be seen approaching them. Divers that were in the water at the time were quickly retrieved. The group was able to film the 2 waterspouts and footage was featured on our 6pm news service. Les was interviewed by the TV channel. It was good to see him on TV. The boat apparently went further out to sea, where the 2 waterspouts could be watched from a distance.

Ex-HMAS Adelaide update

2011-06-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

The decommissioned frigate, the ex-HMAS Adelaide was sunk off Avoca Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast to become a dive wreck on 13^th April. More than 10,000 spectators watched the sinking of the Adelaide. It took 2 minutes for her to sink after 16 separate explosive devices were detonated.

A good photo can be seen at http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/buoys-removed-from-hmas-adelaide-site/story-e6freuy9-1226059476081 .

Early photos of divers visiting the wreck, taken by Robb Westerdyk, can be seen at http://www.news.com.au/pictures/gallery-e6frflv9-1226040842380 . Within 1 month of the Adelaide’s scuttling, 2 navigational buoys had been sabotaged at the site. The police said that the offenders removed the buoys sometime between May 1 and May 13. Read more at http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/buoys-removed-from-hmas-adelaide-site/story-e6frfku0-1226059460977#ixzz1O1KajQQg. According to the web page found at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/its-just-a-dive-but-shipwreck-worth-78/story-fn6bqvxz-1226050147723 , “Divers will pay a minimum of $78 for a look at the wreck of the former HMAS Adelaide . . . . Divers with their own boat and gear will pay $18 per head and a $60 mooring fee. Commercial operators are expected to charge $80 for divers with gear or $140 for those requiring equipment. . . All divers must make a booking with accredited dive operators or Central Coast Tourism to obtain a permit.”

Adelaide's weather for June according to Ch.9 Brenton Ragless Almanac

2011-05-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

According to the Channel 9 Brenton Ragless Almanac for 2011, Adelaide’s weather for June is usually cold, wet & windy – “On average (it) is the wettest month of the year . . . . Wind speeds on ½ of the days exceed 11km/h at 9am & 14km/h at 3pm . . .Prevailing directions are NE at 9am & SW to NW at 3pm”.

New ladder at Port Noarlunga jetty

2011-05-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

There has, ofcourse, been a new ladder for the divers steps on Port Noarlunga jetty for some weeks now.

Temporary Closure of Second Valley Jetty

2011-05-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

Peter Fowler from the Yankalilla Council advises that:

To undertake repair work on the Second Valley Jetty,Including the driving of new piles and the reestablishment of the stairway, will require the closure of the jetty to public access The work is scheduled to commence in the week starting the 17th May 2011 and take approximately 8 weeks to complete. The jetty will be closed to the public during this period. For further information on details of the work or the jetty closure please call Councils Manager Operations Mr Graeme Francis on 8558 0200.

Movie "The Reef" now showing in South Australia

2011-03-13T03:06:00.000-07:00

The new 'diving' movie "The Reef" (rated M) starts showing in South Australia from Thursday 17th March. The basic plot is 4 people being thrown in to the water when their yacht capsizes. They spend the next 1 1/2 hrs of the movie fighting for survival and trying to avoid being attacked by sharks.

New posting of Marine Life Beachcombing Guide

2011-01-07T21:50:00.000-08:00

The 1st link for the Marine Life Beachcombing Guide through Windows Live only allowed downloading of the document before viewing it, so I have now posted the Guide in my SA Scuba Diving website. The Guide can be accessed via https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxzYXNjdWJhZGl2aW5nc2l0ZXxneDo2N2MyNGViOTg3Y2U4ZTE3&pli=1 . If that doesn't work for some reason, try going to my SA Scuba Diving Site via the link in "My Links".

Smelly, slimy seas for snorkellers & scuba divers

2011-01-07T00:12:00.000-08:00

Giffordia?

Some of Adelaide's metropolitan beaches have become smelly & slimy spots to snorkel & scuba dive. The source of the smelly slime is said to be rotting carpets of posidonia seagrass seeds floating ashore. It is a seasonal event brought on by hot weather. This is also the season for the proliferation of Giffordia, a slimy alga which adds to the smelly odour on our beaches. The alga also causes low visibility in the water where it occurrs. 10 or 11 years ago, I was told that the outbreak of it was caused by sewage/sewerage effluent entering the sea. A government marine biologist said at the time that it was non-toxic and harmless to humans. She said that it was usually found attached to rocks offshore, but that it grew quickly in certain warm weather conditions, broke free and drifted ashore. I have posted a marine life beachcombing guide in Windows Live. See the link to the Guide in "My Links" on this blog. The 3.5mb Guide can be downloaded from Live.

LOSS OF LADDER FROM PORT NOARLUNGA JETTY

2010-11-21T02:31:00.000-08:00

Port Noarlunga jetty at low tide (Sources:

www.users.bigpond.com/sch57/portnorfront.html

http://users.tpg.com.au/honeydin/Portnoarlunga/portnoarlunga/images/pictures/pnshorelow.jpg

http://users.tpg.com.au/honeydin/Portnoarlunga/portnoarlunga/water/water.html)

The ladder on the divers’ steps at Port Noarlunga jetty broke off on 21^st November. As it was low tide when some divers returned to exit at the steps, they had to swim towards shore to exit. Presumably, they were able to exit at the shore steps. The matter was reported to the SDFSA that same day and we were able to send an email message straight off to the Onkaparinga Council, asking them to investigate the matter.

FISH FEEDING DANGER AT PORT NOARLUNGA

2010-11-21T00:47:00.000-08:00

The (3 years old) web page found at http://users.tpg.com.au/honeydin/Portnoarlunga/portnoarlunga/water/water.html says, “it is not unusual to be confronted by schools of sweep waiting for the bread that many divers bring with them”. If this is so, it needs a big re-think when one considers the following details: -

Tim Folwell and his wife were snorkelling at the Port Noarlunga reef last summer when someone threw a loaf of bread off the jetty. All of a sudden, the fish that they had been swimming with before suddenly turned on Tim and started biting him all over the body. (It is assumed that Tim was not wearing a wetsuit at the time of his snorkel at the reef.) A few days later he got very sick. The wound became infected, the bacteria spread to his aorta and developed into staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, which resulted in him losing 80% of his skin. Once the infection got into his blood stream, it caused a septic shock in which all the organs in the body were starved of essential oxygen and blood and began to fail. Tim’s kidneys failed, his liver began to fail and his heart wasn't working properly. After months in intensive care in the burns unit, he had a leg amputated and had to learn to walk with prosthesis at the Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre. Tim’s story was told on ABC TV’s “Stateline” program and it can be seen at http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/11/05/3058877.htm .

We tried to contact the owner of the web page found at http://users.tpg.com.au/honeydin/Portnoarlunga/portnoarlunga/water/water.html, but the email address was invalid.

On Sunday 21^st November, it was reported that snorkellers were in the water (a.m.) with bread (one person had 2 loaves).

World Record underwater broadcast in open water

2010-11-20T23:30:00.000-08:00

Cam Williams from Channel 9 TV’s Weekend Today show successfully completed the longest underwater broadcast in open water at Great Keppel Island. Visit http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/cam-underwater/xd7murp to see some video footage of the successful world record attempt by Cam.

Last meetings for this year

2010-11-16T02:48:00.000-08:00

The Marine Life Society held its last meeting for 2010 on 17/11. Neville Skinner gave a talk about a recent dive trip to the Nullabor.
The next Scuba Divers Federation of SA meeting on 14/12 will be their last one for this year. Both organisations will start up again next February.

Climate change corporate plan for DENR

2010-11-16T01:42:00.000-08:00

This is part of a page out of the new corporate plan for the SA Department for Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It is spruiking all about climate change.

START TIME FOR SDFSA MEETINGS

2010-10-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

SDFSA meetings now start at 7.15pm. They are being held at the Hilton RSL Club, 147 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton. Make sure that your clubs sends a delegate along to represent your members.

Picaninnie Ponds on "Postcards"

2010-09-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

Click on these images to enlarge the details. keep clicking to enlarge them even more. There haven't been many postings to this blog as of late because I've been busy posting to other blogs & sites, such as my shark blog, shipwreck blog & SA Scuba Diving Site. Channel 9 TV's "Postcards" program recently featured a report about diving in Picaninnie Ponds, near Port MacDonnell. Details can be found at http://www.postcards-sa.com.au/features2010/piccaninnie_ponds_secret.html . These images can also been found there.

CLOSED SEASON FOR ROCK LOBSTERS IN SA WATERS

2010-08-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

Please note that the 2010-11 Southern Zone rock lobster season will now re-open on 1st November. It will now run from 6am on 1st November 2010 until 6pm on 30th April 2011. It seems that the 2010-11 Northern Zone rock lobster season will also re-open (at 12noon) on 1st November still, although it normally runs until 6pm on 31st May (2011).

"Wik" photographic website - "Steve's Shots"

2010-06-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of setting up a "Wik" photographic website called "Steve's Shots" at http://www.wix.com/SteveReynolds/Steves-Shots?gu%5Fid=13dc92c4%2D60b1%2D48c5%2Db58a%2Df4e644d700c4&orgDocID=Bo%3B%5FHz%5FExUM%2Da&experiment%5Fid=empty&partner%5Fid=WMGs4POB1ko%2Da&wixComputerID=jout8rskz5y3lT4qKF1xnwri0neJDANDrr1ysqTclKc8dbl8fyiTChfaKjzxV%2Bjy3fRkFwMnHXHPXnMbAHtjcg%3D%3D&wsess (http://www.wix.com/SteveReynolds/Steves-Shots). Please bear with me whilst I build up this site to something worthwhile.

SA wreck mooring buoys still not replaced

2010-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Star of Greece wreck

I understand that the mooring buoys missing from both the Norma and the Star of Greece wrecks have still not been replaced yet. It is hoped that the DEH will soon do the right thing.

INFESTATION OF JAPANESE KELP IN APOLLO BAY

2010-05-30T04:43:00.000-07:00

The invasive Japanese Kelp, which had become widely established in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, has now started to become established inside Apollo Bay Harbour.

Dismay over Sunday Mail's promotion of SA restaurant selling shark fin soup

2010-04-22T04:07:00.000-07:00

On April 18th, Adelaide's Sunday Mail ran a 2-page spread about a local restaurant selling a seafood soup of which shark fin was a main ingredient. Residents of Adelaide responded beautifully, with the 1st response to the item on the AdelaideNow website being posted 1st thing Sunday morning. Many of SA's divers & scientists have now expressed their dismay. There had been some 150 responses within a few days, several of them coming from overseas. My own response read: - "Clearly the Sunday Mail has overstepped the mark by promoting shark fin soup in this era. I'm glad to see that Adelaide has responded en masse. But this is not the end of the matter. It will be brought to the attention of a wider audience which expected to express its dismay in a huge way." Dive Log magazine & SportDiving magazine have offered to make a stand against the Mail's thoughtlessness in promoting both the restaurant and the meal. The page 24 article can also be read at http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/soup-of-the-day-for-450/story-e6fref5u-1225854379693. Be sure to study the numerous responses to the article.

WETSUITS FOR SALE

2010-04-14T01:41:00.000-07:00

Craig Mattiske from Coromandel Valley is asking for $150 each for two wet suits that he has for sale. Both are 7mm 2-piece (1 male, 1 female). They are both in good condition. They are both small size – sml mens & sml womens. Craig used to be a slim 179cms (5' 10 1/2") and his wife was a slim 163cm (5'4"). Contact Craig at mattiske4@adam.com.au. Photos of both suits can be found at http://sites.google.com/site/sascubadivingsite/ian-s-page .

My new SA SCUBA Diving Site website now taking shape

2010-04-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

Peter Gower surrounded by yellowtail scad at Port Hughes jetty

My new SA SCUBA Diving Site web site at http://sites.google.com/site/sascubadivingsite/home is now taking shape and is well worth a look. There are many web pages covering a variety of topics of interest. Your ideas regarding the site are most welcome.

Google "SA SCUBA Diving Site" website

2010-04-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

I've just commenced a Google website (SA SCUBA Diving Site) at http://sites.google.com/site/sascubadivingsite/. I hope to be able to promote scuba diving in South Australia through this site. Please bear with me though, as I learn the ropes and build the site up.

Big cray caught off NZ

2010-03-24T03:06:00.000-07:00

This is an 8kg crayfish caught off the coast of New Plymouth, NZ . It took 2 divers to bring it up. The cray is sitting on a full size dive tank! The cray below it is of a legal size.

AIR FILLS ON SOUTHERN FLEURIEU PENINSULA

2010-01-29T01:02:00.001-08:00

To the best of my knowledge, air fills are no longer available on the southern Fleurieu Peninsula. This means that multiple dive cylinders will be needed for multiple dives in the area if a compressor is not available. Divers can no longer get cylinders filled at either Victor Harbor or Normanville, or any where in between. The closest dive shops offering air fills are at either Port Noarlunga or Christies Beach.

DIVE SAFETY SEMINAR IN MELBOURNE

2010-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

(Presented by DAN & The Alfred, Sunday 21st February)
In conjunction with The Alfred, DAN Asia-Pacific is holding a Dive Safety Seminar. This event provides a unique opportunity for divers to hear from experts in diving health and safety. Speakers include: -- Dan Orr, President, DAN America - Professor Alessandro Marroni, President, DAN Europe - Frans Cronje, President, DAN Southern Africa - John Lippmann, Executive Director, DAN Asia-Pacific - Dr Ian Millar, Director, Hyperbaric Medicine, Alfred Hospital - Dr Andrew Fock, Hyperbaric Consultant, Alfred Hospital - Dr Lisa Gershwin, Jellyfish Expert - Dr David Wilkinson, Co-ordinator Divers Emergency Service
Numbers are limited so register early. All attendees will receive a show bag and there will be a great range of prizes given out on the day. The Dive Safety Seminar is being held on Sunday 21st February, 9.00am – 6.00pm, at the Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria. Cost: DAN Members: $30, Non-DAN Members: $40 (Inclusive of morning & afternoon tea). To reserve your place, call 03-9886 9166 or email to communications@danasiapacific.org with your Name, Member Number, Phone Number, and Credit Card Details. Payment is required to confirm booking.

A LADDER NOW AT SECOND VALLEY JETTY

2010-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

A ladder has now been installed on the Second Valley jetty. It is a good one, quite reasonable for use by divers exiting (& entering?) the water. Photos of the new ladder have been posted at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/NewLadderNowAtSecondValleyJetty. (My apologies for those above water shots with water still on the lens.) Other options at this stage, apart from using the ladder, are entry (& exit) from the beach, rocks, or walking to the second bay to the left of the jetty. The District Council of Yankalilla is working towards the building of replacement steps for the jetty. They will report the works to be undertaken on the jetty to replace the steps in the new year. The jetty & causeway are a State Heritage listed Council Asset. As such, they require DEH, DTEI & development approval. Council staffs have been “working with these departments, proposing improvements that adhere to heritage principles & meet the requirements of the community & their recreational needs”.

RESTRICTED ACCESS AT SA JETTIES

2009-12-30T02:54:00.000-08:00

Second Valley jetty B4 the collapsed steps were removed

There may not currently be any step access at Point Turton jetty. Al Chandler, Secretary of the Underwater Explorers Club of SA, recently reported the removal of the steps on the jetty. He witnessed their removal by workmen in November. The SDF acted by sending an email message off to the District Council of Yorke Peninsula, asking them if they could act to provide suitable jetty steps for divers. Other SA jetties known to have restricted access at the time of writing include Second Valley, The Bluff, Screwpile and Edithburgh jetties. The collapsed steps at Second Valley jetty were removed recently. There is no ladder (or steps) at The Bluff jetty at Victor Harbor. The steps at the Screwpile Jetty at Victor are out of the water at low tide. There are problems with one of the sets of steps at the start of the jetty at Edithburgh.

Removal of the steps on the Point Turton jetty

2009-12-26T01:25:00.000-08:00

There may not currently be any step access at Point Turton jetty. Al Chandler, Secretary of the Underwater Explorers Club of SA, recently reported the removal of the steps on the jetty. He witnessed their removal by workmen in November. “The steps were cut into several pieces using a chainsaw, dropped into the water and then towed by boat around to the boat ramp where a bobcat has placed them at the top of the boat ramp pending their removal. The steps had fallen into a state of deterioration over the past 2 years and despite lobbying by the UEC, Point Turton Caravan Park management and locals for the steps to be repaired, the local council decided the cheapest option was to remove them and replace them with a metal ladder. Access and egress for diving is now via the existing ladders at the outer end of the jetty, via the new ladder when fitted, via the outer rockface of the boat ramp groin or via beach entry just south of the boat ramp. The final option will mean crossing the "mouth" of the boat ramp and swimming around the outside of the boat ramp to access the jetty. The two ladders at the outer end of the jetty are awkward to use as the bottom of each ladder is closer to the jetty than the top, causing the ladders to lean outwards away from the jetty.” The SDF acted by sending an email message off to the District Council of Yorke Peninsula, asking them if they could act to provide suitable jetty steps for divers as discussed in Al Chandler’s report to us.

Warning sign placed at Rapid Bay jetty divers' platform

2009-11-04T02:37:00.001-08:00

Many thanks go to the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (South Australia ) which has kindly placed a warning sign at the Rapid Bay jetty divers' platform. This signage warns fishers to "Beware of divers surfacing below" and "Please keep stairs and landings clear for divers".

NEW WRECK TRAIL

2009-11-01T02:17:00.000-08:00

A trail has now been laid between the Claris and Kalari wrecks off of Glenelg. According to the web page at http://www.sdfsa.net/adelaide_metro.htm, the Claris is a 12m-long (ship?) wreck about 4km west of the Dredge (South Australian). She lies at a depth of about 25-28m. Her GPS coordinates are said to be 35:00:250 S, 138:21:089 E (WGS84). The GPS coordinates of the nearby Kalari are said to be 35 00 273 S, 138 21 110 E

DIVE SHOP NEWS

2009-11-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

Adelaide Scuba has now merged with Glenelg Marine and moved in to the premises on the Patawalonga Frontage at Glenelg North. Visit http://www.adelaidescuba.com.au/ for more details.
KI Diving Safaris have now changed their name to Kangaroo Island Dive and Adventures and they also have a new home. Their new dive centre is located at 15 Kingscote Tce at Kingscote. Contact Kangaroo Island Dive and Adventures on 08 8553 3196 or visit http://www.kidivingsafaris.com/ .

Second Valley jetty steps update

2009-10-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to report that, just over 2 weeks ago, the steps on the Second Valley jetty were completely gone, removed, non-existant. Entry & exit to the water needed to be made either via the rocks or the beach. Hopefully the steps will be replaced or rebuilt before too long.

Adelaide Shopper feature 23rd October

2009-10-26T03:18:00.000-07:00

The Advertiser chose me at random for the weekly feature in the Adelaide Shopper liftout. I was advertising my friend's son's wetsuit for sale through the on-line classifieds. The Advertiser interviewed me over the phone and then sent a photographer down to take a few shots to work with for the feature. The colour photo was on the front page of the liftout section. A smaller version of this photo featured on the front page of the newspaper. The B&W photo was inside the liftout section. You can't buy publicity like that. The wetsuit was sold by 8am on the day of the paper.

Ewens Ponds/Eight Mile Creek update

2009-10-11T02:52:00.000-07:00

DEH has released an "Analysis of Public Submissions for the Ewens Ponds Draft Management Plan Amendment". A detailed 39-page analysis of public submissions is available at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/ewens_ponds_cp_amend_analysis.pdf . The Ewens Ponds CP Management Plan 2009 has been posted at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/ewens_ponds_cp_amend.pdf. Ewens Ponds will be available for snorkelling and scuba diving only and a permit system will be introduced to improve the management of these activities. The permit system will include the limitation of the number of snorkellers and scuba divers allowed in the ponds at any one time. Other limitations include the requirement for snorkellers and scuba divers to only be permitted to move through the channels in the same direction as the current flow. The minimal qualification will be increased to Advanced Open Water for dive permits.

Websites re exploding scuba cylinders

2009-10-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

Re scuba cylinders made from 6351 alloy , the Luxfer website found at http://www.luxfercylinders.com/support/faq/sustainedloadcracking-australia.shtml discusses FAQs re Sustained-load Cracking for Cylinders in Australia and New Zealand . The Queensland government websote found at http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/alerts/alloy_cylinders/index.htm is an alert to inform people who fill aluminium alloy cylinders of the risks of death and injury from cylinder explosion. The website found at http://biobug.org/scuba/scubatank/ may be of some interest, despite being American. Many thanks to Neville Skinner for these details.

Some aluminium scuba cylinders have now been banned in SA

2009-09-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

Steve Robinson from Scuba Com advises that all Luxfer scuba cylinders constructed from Aluminium Alloy AL6351 have now been banned in South Australia following some recent explosions involving these cylinders interstate and overseas.
For example, a 62-year old scuba diver had his right hand severed at the wrist when his diving tank ruptured. Police said the man was refilling scuba diving tanks at a diving business when the one exploded. The intensity of the blast tore large gouges into nearby brick walls. The man, who was treated at Kempsey District Hospital, also suffered several compound fractures to his right leg. He was airlifted to a Sydney hospital for continued treatment. (Source: http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/news/general/scuba-tank-explodes-man-airlifted/1597743.aspx )
All clubs and divers have been requested to ensure that these cylinders are removed from service. Luxfer scuba cylinders were manufactured from 6351 aluminium alloy overseas from 1972 to 1988 and in Australia from 1975 to 1990. Luxfer acquired CIG Gas Cylinders in 1997 and some of the 6351 tanks are stamped with "CIG/Luxfer".
Tanks made by Luxfer after 1990 no longer used Aluminium Alloy AL6351 and are safe. The new alloy is AL6061. The AL6351 aluminium tanks can suffer from fatigue (SLC or Sustained Load Cracking). One example exploded at approximately 1500-2000 psi.
Steve recommends that you check your tank and, if it is suspect, drain it now. He says, "For safety reasons, we are committed to getting these tanks off the market. Thousands of tanks nationwide have already been taken out of service. We advise all clubs and divers to ensure that these cylinders are removed from service."
Details are as follows: -
Identification: CIG/Luxfer cylinders marked AS1777 manufactured between 1975 and 1990 where the serial number does NOT start with an 'S'.
Luxfer cylinders marked DOT3AL or DOTE6498 manufactured between 1972 and 1988.
There should also be an identifying stamp with the numbers 6351.
Scuba Com will no longer accept these cylinders for testing or filling. They believe that ALL SA filling stations have adopted the same stance following another cylinder explosion in Queensland this week.
Some photos provided by Scuba Com have been posted at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/ExplodedScubaCylinder. It is understood that this cylinder was tested regularly, had never been over-filled and was 'in test'.

Steve's Shark Site

2009-08-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

White pointer shark (c) Terry Goss 2006/Marine Photobank

I'm now up to 3 blogs following the establishment of Steve's Shark Site at http://stevessharksite.blogspot.com/

Spearfishing at Second Valley

2009-08-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

My blog at http://stevesscubasite.blogspot.com/2009/08/spearfishing-at-second-valley.html incorrectly stated "As it stands at present, policing the current ban would be difficult. Spearfishers may enter or exit the 1st bay but be able to say that they only speared outside of the bay."
The Recreational Fishing Guide (found at http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/59935/rec_guide_2008_general_fishing.pdf ) says that "Spearfishing with a hand fish spear or a spear gun is not permitted: In the waters of Second Valley Bay." AND "Persons may carry a fish spear or UNLOADED spear gun in the above waters, but only if carrying the device to or from a boat."

Shipwreck blog

2009-08-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

I have now started a shipwreck blog at http://stevesshipwrecksite.blogspot.com/

Huge oil slick off NW Australian coast

2009-08-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

According to the web page found at http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/853083/too-early-to-determine-wa-spill-impact, a gas rig spill has left a huge oil slick off the north-west Australian coast. A video can be viewed at http://news.ninemsn.com.au/video.aspx?videoid=b1c933f7-b7fa-4e0f-9c44-d27efba1a09c.

2010 Calendar of South Australian Marine Life

2009-08-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

As reported earlier, the 2010 calendar of South Australian Marine Life is now available. They are still $10 ea. Helen Crawford took the front cover photo of zebra fish at, appropriately, Fishery Beach. There are other great photos by Helen, Antony King, Alexius Sutandio, Paul Macdonald, Phil Mercurio, Anne Wilson, Chris Hall, Ray Trezise, Joe Taylor & David Muirhead. The front & rear covers for the calendar can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/2010CalendarOfSouthAustralianMarineLife. Contact me via this blog to order your copies of the calendar.

Port Noarlunga Foreshore Redevelopment

2009-08-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Port Noarlunga Foreshore Redevelopment invloves, amongst other things, a 'boardwalk'. Peter Jury has taken a few photos of the work being done on the boardwalk close to the Pt Noarlunga jetty. These photos have been posted at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/PortNoarlungaForeshoreRedevelopment.

Spearfishing at Second Valley

2009-08-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

A spearfishing ban at Second Valley was proclaimed in March 1992. Page 16 of the 2008 “SA Recreational Fishing Guide” says “Spearfishing . . . is not permitted . . . in the waters of Second Valley Bay”. As reported in my blog at http://stevesscubasite.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-spearfishing-sign-at-2nd-valley.html , "A new sign has now been installed at Second Valley, advising of the spearfishing ban in the bay where the jetty is located." (See details in the photo in my blog. Double click on it to enlarge the image.) So it seems that the ban does not apply to all of Second Valley, only the first bay there. Spearing is apparently allowed in the second bay and beyond. It also seems that spearing would be allowed at Lasseters Reef if it is outside of the line between the two points either side of the jetty. Now it may well be that "the waters of Second Valley Bay” only ever meant the first bay. I believe that the second bay and Lasseters Reef ought to be included in the banned area. Even then, spearing would still be allowed along the edge of the two points. Perhaps that whole section of coast ought to be included in the ban. Any marine life there needs to be protected for the enjoyment of divers and snorkellers. As it stands at present, policing the current ban would be difficult. Spearfishers may enter or exit the 1st bay but be able to say that they only speared outside of the bay.

Whales at Middleton & Seals at Port Elliot

2009-08-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

I just spent a couple of days at Middleton (mid-way between Victor Harbor & Goolwa) on the south coast of SA. The 1st day was perfect for whale watching at Middleton, with at least 6 (southern right?) whales (with calves?) to be seen close to shore. The next day was gloomy but perfect for getting close to seals swimming at Port Elliot. I have posted a few photos at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/WhalesSeals#5368208979486344450.

Spearfishing ban at Second Valley

2009-08-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

A spearfishing ban at Second Valley was proclaimed in March 1992. Page 16 of the 2008 "SA Recreational Fishing Guide" says "Spearfishing . . . is not permitted . . . in the waters of Second Valley Bay". As reported in my blog at http://stevesscubasite.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-spearfishing-sign-at-2nd-valley.html, "A new sign has now been installed at Second Valley, advising of the spearfishing ban in the bay where the jetty is located." (See details in the photo in my blog. Double click on it to enlarge the image.) So it seems that the ban does not apply to all of Second Valley, only the first bay there. Spearing is apparently allowed in the second bay and beyond. It also seems that spearing would be allowed at Lasseters Reef if it outside of the line between the two points either side of the jetty. Now it may well be that "the waters of Second Valley Bay" only ever meant the first bay. I believe that the second bay and Lasseters Reef ought to be included in the banned area. Even then, spearing would still be allowed along the edge of the two points. Perhaps that whole section of coast ought to be included in the ban. Any divers in the area could easily become the target of a wayward spear and the marine life needs to be protected for the enjoyment of divers and snorkellers. What do you think? Let me know what your thoughts are.

Seals at the Bluff

2009-08-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

On 3 occasions this year, I've been fortunate enough to see some seals either prior to, or after (but not during) my dives. 1 occasion was at 2nd Valley when I didn't have a camera handy. The other 2 times were both at the Bluff, Victor Harbor, when I managed some shots (with my old camera). I have posted some of these photos at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SealsAtTheBluff.

11-arm sea stars at the Bluff

2009-08-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

During my recent brief photographic solo dive at the Bluff, I saw numerous large 11-arm sea stars. They were easier to photograph than fish in the trying conditions. I have posted all 8 of my 11-arm photos at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/11ArmSeaStarsAtTheBluff. These creatures are generally considered to be drab & dreary but a close look reveals some wonderful colours.

Steve's new camera

2009-08-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

After a brief introduction to digital photography, & an even briefer intro to underwater digital, I invested in a new camera & housing. I did a solo dive at the Bluff on 1st August to test my new camera housing. All went reasonably well in the trying conditions. I have posted a few of my best shots at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SteveSNewCamera.

New spearfishing sign at 2nd Valley

2009-07-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

A new sign has now been installed at Second Valley, advising of the spearfishing ban in the bay where the jetty is located. See details in the photo.

Second Valley boat sheds

2009-07-24T04:55:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to report for a while that the boat sheds at Second Valley were removed earlier this year for safety reasons. Here is a photo of the present view of the previous location of the sheds.

2010 SA Marine Life calendars

2009-07-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

The wait is over! The 2010 SA Marine Life calendars are now available for purchase. Seriously, they are the best yet. They will sell themselves. There was a shortfall in production, so there won't be so many to go around. They're still $10 ea. Let me know if you want any. I can't provide a preview at this stage but will do so when possible.

Steps @ 2nd Valley jetty closed

2009-06-28T02:22:00.000-07:00

There's some good news & some bad news from 2nd Valley. 1st the bad, the jetty steps are broken and have been closed off (see photos). Entry from the beach is also impossible due to thick deposits of dead seagrass. Entry must be made from rocks in either of the 2 southern bays. The good news is that a new beach access ramp has been built to replace the old boat launching ramp. This new ramp is not for vehicles though, just people and possibly wheelchairs. More good news is that there is renewed signage re the spearfishing ban in the area. Most of the above details may mean that there will be plenty of free car park spaces available until the seagrass disappears and the steps are fixed again. A seal was seen swimming at the jetty when I visited on Saturday morning (27th June). More photos from 2nd Valley can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SDFNewsSheetJuly2009 .

Rapid Bay jetty again

2009-06-07T03:39:00.000-07:00

At the end of May, I returned to Rapid Bay jetty again for my 2nd dive there this year. It was great for diving, with flat calm conditions allowing snorkelling out to the T section on the old jetty. My buddy & I were then able to spend a long time out under the T section. Just one thing spoiled my dive. I couldn't fire off any shots with my camera for some reason. I was able to enjoy myself once that I had gotten over it. There were ever so many fish to see, and some large cuttles too. We even managed to rescue a brown-spotted wrasse hooked on some fishing line. We had to cut the line to let it go. It's good to see that some juvenile Blue Groper are still hanging around the jetty. Unfortunately, no photos to show for this dive. I did, however, manage to take this photo of the new jetty after the dive, when checking the operation of my camera.

Blue-ring octopus with hatching eggs

2009-05-05T03:48:00.000-07:00

Ray Trezise took lots of photos, such as this one, of a female blue-ring octopus with her eggs. A baby blue-ring can be seen hatching from one of the eggs in some of the photos. The newly hatched baby octopus can then be seen swimming alone in some photos. A collection of these photos can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/BlueRingOctopusWithHatchingEggs

Scuba swim at Second Valley again

2009-05-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

I managed to get wet again after a 3 week hiatus. Tried to find Lasseter's Reef without success so returned to swim near the jetty. Viz wasn't great but took a few photos and videos anyway. Some of the photos can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SecondValley. Two videos can be seen on YouTube. The large school of zebra fish that we saw can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTYHZgAdCls. A cryptic cuttlefish can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWIG-PWZyDg&feature=channel. Somebody's "Marino Rocks Snorkel" can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyDbTCOy1Os&NR=1. I must mention that there are still no signs warning of the spearfishing ban at Second Valley. Check out the YouTube video about the now-demolished boat sheds at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T76awUKROQ&feature=related.

Back at The Bluff again

2009-04-13T03:49:00.000-07:00

11/4/09 I returned to The Bluff at Victor Harbor for a dive. The viz was a bit disappointing but I still tried taking a few photos & videos. I didn't get to see any large octopus this time but a large leafy seadragon more than made up for that. There were a couple of schools of fish around my exit point. I even got to video a seal following my dive. Some of my photos and videos can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/TheBluff.

Return to Second Valley

2009-04-13T02:16:00.000-07:00

28/3/09 I returned to Second Valley for the first time since late January. There was still no replacement signage regarding a spearfishing ban there. I dived in the 1st bay left of the jetty. I was doing a special project which may be revealed later on. I ended up around the rocky point where the jetty was no longer in view. The boat sheds have now been removed from the rocky point. I photographed a very large male Rainbow Fish which I saw out near the point. I returned to the jetty steps which were now well out of the water so I had to swim over to the sandy beach.

I took this short video out near the point. Check out the large snook which disappears as quickly as it arrived. More photos and this video can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SecondValley.

Latest dive at Port Hughes

2009-03-24T03:09:00.000-07:00

I returned to the Port Hughes jetty on 22nd March. The viz was poor but I still enjoyed trying out the closeup lens on my camera. The highlight of my dive was being able to film a large catfish. My short video of the 'very yellow' catfish can either be seen below, or on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyeY2QhT5L8. I also saw this amazing sponge crab there.

The April 2009 Leafy Sea Dragon Festival

2009-03-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by Neville Skinner

The 3rd Leafy Sea Dragon Festival is being held in SA this month, from 17th to 26th April. Visit http://www.leafyseadragonfestival.com/ for more details. A web page of information provided by the Marine Life Society of SA regarding the leafy seadragon can be seen at http://www.leafyseadragonfestival.com/about.html

Marine Parks submissions

2009-03-14T02:45:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by Paul Macdonald

Although submissions re the proposed outer boundaries for 19 marine parks in SA closed on 27th March, you can visit http://www.marineparks.sa.gov.au/ for more details.

New Rapid Bay jetty now opened

2009-03-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

Great news! The wait is finally over. After waiting some 4 years, the new jetty at Rapid Bay opened last month (March 2009), much to the delight of fishermen and divers alike. Even better news, the leafy seadragons are still there, along with multitudes of fish and invertebrates. The new jetty is closer to the car park, making access to the jetty much easier. The divers' platform is designed to make entry/exit easy. There are even some great ladders closer to shore. A chain & post trail has now been laid down to guide divers from one jetty to the other when swimming between the old & new jetties. Diving at Rapid Bay should now become more popular than ever before.

Eyes of an octopus

2009-03-05T01:55:00.000-08:00

They say that cephalopods such as cuttlefish & octopus have well-developed eyes and acute vision. Despite this, they are said to be colour-blind. A hammer octopus, Octopus australis, is said to darken its eyes to appear bigger to potential predators. The octopus featured in the photo above could be either O.pallidus or O.berrima.

Seaurchins aggregating at Magazine Bay

2009-03-05T01:37:00.000-08:00

On 31st December 2007, I made a solo dive at Magazine Bay, near Point Turton. One of the first things that I noticed about the location was that Heliocidaris urchins were to be seen aggregating in large numbers, as shown in these few photos.

Leafy seadragons

2009-02-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

Leafy seadragon (taken by Neville Skinner)
We are indeed very fortunate in this day and age when it comes to Leafy seadragons. I don’t recall having had any knowledge of Leafy seadragons when I decided to take up scuba diving in 1978, even though I had been keeping marine aquariums during the 1970s.
The next day after completing my scuba course in February 1978, I dived with the (now) Marine Life Society of SA at the Bluff at Victor Harbor. It was reported that a Leafy seadragon was sighted during that dive but I have no recollection of it at all.
The first time that I recall seeing a Leafy seadragon was also at the Bluff some time later. One of the Marine Life Society members displayed one in a dive tub after our dive.
Back in those days, my fish ‘bible’ was a copy of “The Marine and Freshwater Fishes of South Australia”, a handbook of the Flora and Fauna of South Australia, issued by the Handbooks Committee on behalf of the South Australian Government.
The 2nd edition of ‘Marine & Freshwater Fishes’ had been published in 1974. The 1st edition had been published back in 1962. Both editions were full of wonderful black and white pictures of SA fish species. I would often gaze in wonder at the picture of a Leafy seadragon in my copy of the book.
A facsimile reprint of “The Marine and Freshwater Fishes of South Australia” was published in February 1980. This new version featured 42 colour photographs of different fish species, including one of a Leafy seadragon in an aquarium. Despite it being a beautiful fish, the photograph was not particularly inspiring.
I had still not managed to see a seadragon during any of my dives despite diving fairly regularly between 1978 and 1980. I had performed more than 70 dives without enjoying the exhilaration of spotting a seadragon. That all changed dramatically in May 1980. That was when I came across a Weedy seadragon at a depth of 18m at Seaford. Although I was ecstatic over this development in my diving experiences, still no Leafy.
My very next dive was at the Rapid Bay jetty later that same month. Members of the Marine Life Society were collecting fish beneath the jetty so that they could be photographed in an aquarium that had been set up on the jetty. I was again ecstatic when I found a Leafy seadragon, which was then hoisted up on to the jetty in a bucket. Several photos were taken of the amazing creature in the aquarium, under the gaze of several Society members and enthralled members of the public. One of the divers later returned the beautiful seadragon to the jetty bottom.
The sighting of a Leafy seadragon at Rapid Bay jetty is a common occurrence these days, but it wasn’t so back then. It was still considered to be a rarity for the next few years, despite sightings occurring more often in the late 1980s.
The Marine Life Society adopted the Leafy seadragon for its logo in 1982. Divers started sighting both Leafy and Weedy seadragons regularly at Rapid Bay jetty and the jetty soon became known as being one of the best spots to see both species of seadragons.
The Marine Life Society had begun recording seadragon sightings by the early 1990s. An article about the Leafy seadragon in the Marine Life Society’s 1991 Journal claimed that not a great deal had been written about the creature to that stage. That Journal tried to change all of that by featuring only articles about seadragons and this ultimately led to the formation of DragonSearch around late 1994.
Articles and photographs featuring seadragons were now starting to become very popular with the general public and within government circles. From the time of those first photos of a Leafy seadragon in an aquarium at Rapid Bay jetty, the Marine Life Society had been gathering a collection of seadragon images as part of its Photographic Index of SA Marine Life. In 1999, the Society was able to publish its first calendar of SA marine life using images from its Photographic Index. A Leafy seadragon featured on the front cover of the 1999 calendar and seadragon shots have been popular features of the annual calendar ever since then.
These days, we really are spoilt. We now have many informative books full of colour photographs of fish, including seadragons. Just about everyone that scuba dives these days carries a digital camera. Seadragon photos are now featured on numerous websites. There have been many television documentaries about seadragons and some are available on video and DVD. The Gould League’s “Seahorses and Seadragons” poster is very popular with divers and students. The Leafy seadragon really has become an icon species, which has boosted sales of everything from mouse mats and stubby holders to designer tops.
All that is required now is for us to ensure the long-time survival of seadragons by protecting their habitat from the many threats that it faces today.

Filming of a leafy seadragon documentary in SA

2009-02-26T03:04:00.000-08:00

Leafy seadragon (taken by Neville Skinner)
Ella Danes-Smith of Icon Films (www.iconfilms.co.uk) was recently (March 2009) in Adelaide working on a television series called ‘Nick Baker’s Weird Creatures’. The program makes a point of bringing out serious issues of conservation and human impact, as well as drawing on the cultural importance of the animal in question. The ‘Leafy Sea dragon’ is one of the key ‘amazing’ creatures for this series and the crew is in South Australia in the hope of being able to film some. The crew travelled to Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. They were trying to find out some more interesting facts about these amazing creatures and the environment that they live in. Also if there is anything current or relevant that has happened to do with the leafies or the weedies? Is there anything that is trying to be proven about them recently? They needed details about the leafies and their environment. Also some more detail about the locations and the problems that the leafies may come across.

Cuttlefish attacks

2009-02-26T02:56:00.000-08:00

Aggressive cuttlefish on Seacliff Reef (Photo by Antony King)
Phil Porter from Port Lincoln recently told me, “I have just read with interest the article in the 2007 journal regarding cuttlefish attacks on divers. I had an encounter with a large cuttlefish many years ago while diving on a shipwreck just north of here. We were diving from a boat in about 20metres of water. I saw the cuttlefish sitting among the wreck and went in close for a photo. It suddenly rushed out and grabbed the camera, hanging on for several moments. It let go then retreated a little way, before suddenly deciding it wanted more. It again attacked the camera, almost ripping it from my hands. I thought it was probably getting upset because it was able to see its own reflection in the camera lens (it was an SLR in a housing with a large glass lens in front), but after letting go and retreating the second time, it swam back out and attacked my friend who was swimming slowly past. He pushed it away with his fins, and we both swam off, leaving it in peace. Toward the end of the dive, however, it again attacked us as we swam past it, heading back toward the anchor rope. It grabbed my friend's arm, but didn't bite. After pushing it away, it went back among the wreck and sat watching us until we retreated. This is the only time I have ever witnessed aggressive behavior from a cuttlefish, though I have been very close to them many times. I can't recall the exact time of year, but I think it was probably early autumn”, Phil said.
I replied to Phil, saying “I'm happy that you were interested in my article on cuttlefish attacks (see http://www.mlssa.asn.au/journals/2007Journal.htm ). I am just as interested in your cuttlefish attack story. I will do whatever I can with your cuttlefish information.”

2009 Leafy Sea Dragon Festival

2009-02-24T02:43:00.000-08:00

This year's Leafy Sea Dragon Festival runs from 17th to 26th April. Visit http://leafyseadragonfestival.com/about.html for more details (and to see some great seadragon photos from some of my diving friends). Above image taken by Neville Skinner.

My Blog List & Endangered Animals slide show

2009-02-17T03:02:00.000-08:00

The very latest posting from Chai'sMarine Life Blog (at http://chaitt.blogspot.com/) can now be seen near the bottom of this blog (under My Blog List). At the very bottom of this blog, below My Blog List, is a slide show on endangered animals.

Akumal sea life blog

2009-02-17T02:17:00.000-08:00

The blog found at http://akumalsealife.blogspot.com/ discusses "Marine and Coastal Conservation along the Mexican Caribbean and beyond. News and discussions about the marine conservation work of Centro Ecológico Akumal, other Caribbean conservation programs, and other marine topics." The amazing thing is that (under Other blogs on ocean conservation) it mentions this blog i.e. " Steve's Scuba Site showcases a well-balanced mixture of scuba-diving stories, ocean conservation announcements and updates, and educational tidbits. You will find many links that will guide you to even more ocean information around the Web." It also mentions Chai's Marine Life Blog i.e. "Chai's Marine Life Blog catalogs the underwater discoveries of a student and all-around underwater enthusiast. Practically the moment Tsun-Thai Chai got an underwater camera, a new blog was born." These very same details (for Steve & Chai) have also featured in material from Marine Photo Bank (see http://www.marinephotobank.org/resources/documents/MPBbulletinfebruary2009.pdf and http://chaitt.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-02-17T07%3A55%3A00%2B09%3A00&max-results=1). The Akumal sea life blog says that " Centro Ecológico Akumal and the tourists who come to visit Akumal in order to remain healthy. Although coral appears to be dead rock it is very much alive and, as all life, it is fragile but also very resilient. As long as people behave properly while visiting the reef it will be able to live strong and healthy. On this site you will find information about the Mesoamerican Reef System and tips on behavior to help make sure the reef is alive and growing." According to the web page found at http://locogringo.com/akumal/, Akumal is south of Cancun on the Mexican Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan peninsula. It is on the mainland near Cozemel Island - see map at http://www.locogringo.com/maps/riviera-maya-coast.html.

Crabs killed by recent hot spells

2009-02-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

Recent hot weather spells in SA caused the death of crabs on Adelaide's metropolitan beaches. Whilst many land-based creatures were struggling with the heat, crabs were reportedly being "boiled to death" in the water because of a lack of oxygen in the shallow water. I found many dead crabs on my local beaches (Semaphore/Largs) over the first two weekends in February. One can only wonder if many crabs survived the heat.

Large octopuses at The Bluff, Victor Harbor

2009-02-07T00:47:00.000-08:00

Large octopuses were seen at The Bluff at Victor Harbor in January. Thierry Laperousaz at the SA Museum suggested that they were maori octopus.

These two images were taken by Heather Bird and Steve Reynolds.

Blue-ringed octopus with eggs and newly hatched baby

2009-02-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some of Ray Trezise's photos of Take a close look
at the one which shows a baby octopus by the mother with eggs. Click on the photo to view an enlargement.

More of Ray Trezise's underwater photos

2009-02-06T21:25:00.000-08:00

I've now added some more of Ray Trezise's underwater photos at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/RayTreziseSUnderwaterPhotos. I've also made them larger for better viewing.

Valentine's Day release for amorous octopus

2009-02-05T01:27:00.000-08:00

Hopefully, everyone had a good Valentine's Day. A common (sydney?) octopus in New Zealand was released back into the wild on Valentine's Day in the hope it will find a mate . Footage of the amorous octopus and its release can be viewed at http://www.abcscience.net.au/news/video/2009/02/14/2491507.htm . And how many babies do octopus have? Octuplets : )

(Photo taken by David Muirhead, as featured in MLSSA’s 2005 Calendar of South Australian Marine Life, month of November.)

Steve's Underwater Photos

2009-01-30T21:13:00.000-08:00

I have started posting some of my own underwater photos at ttp://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/SteveSUnderwaterPhotos?authkey=ZTQvXlJB9BM

Ray Trezise's underwater photos

2009-01-28T01:10:00.000-08:00

Ray Trezise says that he took thousands of underwater photos in SA over the years and he has used them to give slide shows to schools, Lions clubs, rotary clubs, etc. Ray now lives in Tasmania and doesn't dive any more but his collection of photos are something very special. A selection of them can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stevereynolds600/RayTreziseSUnderwaterPhotos

SPEARFISHING BAN AT SECOND VALLEY

2009-01-24T02:14:00.000-08:00

More than 2 months have passed since I reported witnessing several youths carrying hand spears at Second Valley in January & nothing seems to have been done about it at all. No FishWatch officer was immediately available to take the report on the January incident and investigate the matter at the time. Two attempts to report the matter to FishWatch resulted in ‘blank looks’ from operators having no knowledge of a spearfishing ban at Second Valley, even though such a ban was proclaimed in March 1992. Signage regarding the spearfishing ban in the area was no longer evident and needs to be replaced. I returned to the location at the end of March to find that there is still no signage. There has not been any further contact from FishWatch since making my report.

Yellow-tail schooling at Port Hughes jetty

2009-01-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

Peter Gower and I recently enjoyed a dive at Port Hughes jetty where yellow-tail often school around you. Check out a short video of the schooling on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH9I5wdh7aI.

Struck by stargazer @ Second Valley

2009-01-18T00:57:00.000-08:00

Scuba Steve may have been struck by a stargazer at Second Valley on Saturday 17th January. The 30cm-plus specimen may have struck me on the legs as I lay on the seabed. When I turned to see what had struck me, I saw what appeared to be a fish carcass settling on a nearby sand patch. A closer inspection revealed that it was actually a live stargazer. I managed to take a photo of the fish before it turned around on the spot and proceeded to bury itself in the sand. I managed to take a second shot of it before it completely disappeared into the sand. It seems to be an eastern stargazer, Kathetostoma laeve. Large specimens are said to be known to bite divers during night dives.

UEC's RAAF Avro Anson expedition on the Murray (1968)

2009-01-14T00:49:00.000-08:00

The Swan Reach Museum has approached the UEC to see if they have any information or photos of the club's "RAAF Avro Anson" expedition on the River Murray in 1968. The plane crashed in the river at Monteith (near Tailem Bend) in 1942. Eight airmen were killed, including one from Swan Reach (Dudley Haines). The UEC dived the site mid-1968 in order to salvage items from the crash. The Swan Reach Museum has been given a grant by the federal government to create a display of the incident. If you dived the site, or were involved in any way, or have any information or photos, please contact me.

2009 TIDE PREDICTIONS FOR PORT ADELAIDE

2009-01-14T00:31:00.000-08:00

A chart of Port Adelaide tide predictions which show when dodge tides occur is available at http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/dodge/oh2009pre.pdf .

SEAWEEK

2009-01-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

Seaweek is the Marine Education Society of Australasia’s (MESA) major national public awareness campaign. It is conducted annually to focus community awareness, provide information and encourage an appreciation of the sea. For more information visit http://www.mesa.edu.au/seaweek2009/default.asp .