7-gilled Shark
After recent reports of a 7-Gilled Shark seen near Sandringham, we were a bit sad to find half a carcass on Black Rock beach. It begs belief that in this day and age, it’s even legal to catch and kill these magnificent and rare 7-gilled sharks. Without sharks, our coastal ecosystems collapse like a house of cards. Officially you’re allowed to catch one, but the carcass must be removed whole, away from the water. It’s illegal to process the carcass at sea, which was clearly the case here. Not that that really matters to the shark … or the ecosystemHow ecosystems function An ecosystem is a community of lifeforms that interact in such an optimal way that how ecosystems function best, is when all components (including humans and other animals) can persist and live alongside each other for the longest time possible. Ecosystems are fuelled by the energy created by plants (primary producers) that convert the Sun's heat energy More.
On a more positive note, some local people had laid pink roses on the carcass. This proves that more can be done to protect our wildlife. There is enough will in the community and really no excuse to allow fishing sharks at all. The local angling community at Sandringham wouldn’t condone this. They operate voluntary catch and release practice, which should ideally be the minimum care exercised by the fishing community.
Snorkel off Black Rock
As for diving, there are lots of salmon about at the moment. No doubt why 7-gills have come into these waters. They aren’t common in the northern bay though as they mostly occur off our southern reefs in Bass Strait. This includes hotspots like south of Flinders Pier
The visibility in the water was fairly milky today. Among the other sightings were the usual array of sapsuckers, as well as a Helmetshield Slug. Water was about 14 degrees. It’s just starting to feel a bit more comfortable. Another month or so and the gloves can come off!
Peacock Spiders
There are lots of Tasmanian Peacock Spiders about at the moment. They live in the coastal vegetation throughout bayside. And while this is not at all related to snorkelling, they can be a fun distraction.
Today we watched males displaying to females, ending up in a romantic embrace. The whole process from courtship to mating took about an hour.
Happy snorkelling : )
Simon.