Just completed my sixth and final module of an excellent course on Marine Citizen Science!

My six fish photos were a mixed lot:

The Common Stingray sighting over the past 2 years have not resulted in a "research grade" classification as the underside of a ray has yet to be photographed. Working on that challenge but have wonderful footage of crabs being corralled underneath their "wings", footage on lovely days at the beach with rays gliding gracefully underneath iSUPs, and one 2 minute clip of 14 separate rays in very murky waters!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/165932787

Bernie was very kind to point out the "15-spined stickleback" when she visited Fenit for a snorkel!!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/190375583

Taking underwater photos is often challenging and sunny days and in shallow water is our best chance of getting research grade photos, however, it is becoming obvious that good lighting is critical to get sharp images. But understanding what is required for correct IDs is equally important. Lin Baldrock's new book proved very helpful on that front!!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/190375132

That said, it is not always easy to get Dragonets to stay still and display their fins at the same time.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/190375583

Little Cuttlefish are frequently seen in other parts of Tralee Bay but this was my only encounter with one in Fenit. It was a delight to watch it swimming and then burying itself in the course sand.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/190375327

Cod is frequently mentioned in relationship to seagrass meadows and I was delighted that iNaturalist suggested a single ID for the "Murray Cod" as my best guess after searching through many Fish books was "little green fish". As it appeared to be a juvenile, it was difficult to ID. This is the second of this species spotted with the first observation in Cuan Eamonn's seagrass bed.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/190376349

Many thanks to the Dave Wall for this amazing course and I hope many others will enjoy getting started with their observations throughout Ireland and especially in Kerry!
Get a few friends to complete the course with you!!
The course is free: https://learn.biodiversityireland.ie/courses/marinebiodiversity

Posted on November 8, 2023 06:15 AM by goldenshellback