Rottnest Island Survey Weekend, WA 14-17th May 2010

Photo: Jen Hoskin

A massive crew of RLS divers converged on Rottnest Island for the annual extended survey weekend from 14-17th May.

RLS diver Russ Stevens from the Rottnest Island Authority organised accommodation at the research station for the large group, and two boats were on hand – a large RIB from Diving Frontiers, that was expertly skippered by the very accommodating Reg Dawson, and Paul Day’s Ducky. The team consisted of the ever reliable locals: Paul Day, Kevin Smith and Russ Stevens, plus the new flock of very talented RLS divers Karen Crawley, Cheryl Petty, Marjon Phur, Lotte Rivers and Spencer Shute. ‘Team WA’ was joined by some of the east coast RLS gang: Bill Barker, Andrew Green, Jen Hoskin, Don Love and Kate Tinson.

Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith

Thalassoma septemfasciatum

Overall, a highly successful trip with 14 sites and 57 transects surveyed, and Rotto finally turned on some great weather for an RLS survey weekend! Some of the sites included the very complex Crystal Palace, Roes Reef, Kingston Reef and Jackson Rocks, as well as the shallower but diverse Pocillopora Reef and Fish Hook Bay. 115 species of fish were recorded by the team over the 4 days, and 80 invertebrates and cryptic fishes. Particularly interesting were the large numbers of blue tail leatherjackets (Eubalichthys cyanoura), which are not frequently recorded elsewhere, but were observed in pairs at a large number of the sites. Also recorded were spotty sea perch (Hypoplectrodes wilsoni) and the odd western king wrasse (Coris auricularis). BTW, for those that couldn’t handle an extra few letters in data entry, I have changed the data entry template so the latter is back at the good old “Cau” and put the mysterious Pseuolabrus biserialis back in (with a “Pbi”)!

Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith

Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith

A big thanks once again to Russ, Sally Sneddon and the RIA, who make the annual extended survey weekend possible with the logistic support required to be able to get out, stay, and get gear around Rotto. Thanks also to skipper Reg and Diving Frontiers. I’m sure all will be eagerly anticipating the next survey weekend at Rotto!

Photo: Russ Stevens