The 5th Lord Howe Island Sea Slug Census - Wrap-up
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 5th Lord Howe Island Sea Slug Census. While conditions were challenging, we nevertheless managed to find and photograph 61 species. Seven of these are first records for the island and 2 others are first records during the LHISSC program (see Nimbs et al. 2020 for the most recent, published inventory).
With conditions limiting participation, we received images from 6 people, although those who submitted photos were assisted by a number of spotters. To compensate for the poor weather, we extended the survey period backward to include species found by divers who were on the island in the week leading up to the Census. So, many thanks to Tom and Nicola Davis, Margo and Ash Smith and Carole Harris and Leon Betts for adding their images to the iNaturalist Project and to Lindsay Sherman for submitting images via email.
New records for Lord Howe Island
Bursatella leachii by Steve Smith
Bullina vitrea by Steve Smith
Aldisa sp. by Carole Harris
Thordisa sp. by Ian Hutton
Hypselodoris sp. by Carole Harris
Kabeiro sp. by Tom Davis
Herviella sp. by Steve Smith
Phyllodesmium sp. by Steve Smith
First records during the Lord Howe Island Sea Slug Census
Dendrodoris krusensternii by Carole Harris
Berthellina citrina by Ian Hutton
We also thank the many iNaturalist users who confirmed or provided identifications for the species captured in the images - in particular Matt Nimbs, Steve Smith and Hsini Lin who, respectively, provided identifications for 55, 52 and 37 images.
Our rock-platform ramble at Neds Beach was very well attended despite the rain squalls, and those who participated helped find a number of spectacular species including 2 species of Cyerce and 2 cryptic species of sap-sucking slug (Oxynoe), amongst other interesting marine organisms.
Cyerce nigricans by Ian Hutton
Cyerce sp. by Steve Smith
Once again, we extend our thanks to the manager and staff of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park for providing a permit to conduct the Sea Slug Census program in the marine habitats of the marine park.
All the images captured during the Census can be found on iNaturalist at this link LHISSC5.
Here’s hoping you can join us for one of the many Sea Slug Census events around Australia - you can find out more by following the Sea Slug Census Facebook pages.
And for those lucky enough to be heading to Lord Howe Island in 2023, we hope you will be able to join us for the next Census at this wonderful location (dates will be announced through the Sea Slug Census Facebook pages).
Yours in slugging,
Steve Smith and Ian Hutton
