Shelly Beach, 18th June 2010

Finally the swells subsided enough to allow us to get back in the water. With the last two dives canned because of unfavourable conditions, we were keen to get wet again. Numbers were too low to justify a boat trip to Seals, so April and I trekked over the hill and went for a lovely swim at Shelly Beach. The fish diversity was fantastic, with over 50 species observed in nice clear water. We swam around the point, checking the caves and crevices around the small island rock off the point. In one gutter, there were Ornate and Spotted Wobbegongs, Port Jackson Sharks and stacks of bulls-eyes, along with the beautiful Southern Fusiliers. On our way back, we spotted a couple of Grey Nurse Sharks cruising through the outer gutter. So we nestled ourselves amongst the kelp and tried to get some good photos of them. Meanwhile, April spies a couple of Whitelegg's Weedfish, Heteroclinus whiteleggi. Very cute.
Nearing the shore, a small green turtle dart out from the rocks and flies past us at amazing speed.
What a great way to end a very pleasant dive.

World Oceans Day 2010

This year GLUG hosted a film night at Club Forster, featuring GLUG footage of the local area and the documentary "Byron Underwater". The evening was well attended and enjoyed by all.
"Oceans of Life: choose your favourite; protect your favourite" was the theme for WOD 2010. In keeping with the theme, GLUG also ran a small competition at Forster Library, for local people to choose their favorite local marine animal, as photographed by GLUG members. Voters were asked to select from the following animals: neon damsel, strawberry cod, blue groper, grey nurse shark, ornate wobbegong, loggerhead turtle, green turtle, giant cuttlefish, red rock cod, common stingaree, pineapple fish. The competition was very close, with the green turtle just pipping the others at the post. Equal second was awarded to the grey nurse shark, loggerhead turtle and ornate wobbegong.
A snorkel and mask set, courtesy of Action Divers, was won by Forster resident, Paul Parton.
The green turtle will now be developed into our mascot.