Geelong And Surrounds

St Helens Boat Ramp Sea Squirts: March 2024

Jade Craven · March 22, 2024 ·

Earlier, I shared how the soft coral was peeling and allowing us to get better views of the sea squirts.

Many of them were Pyura dalbyi, so I focused on getting photos showing the insides of the ascidians. I am noticing what looks like clear differences within what I’ve classified as P. Dalbyi. I need to learn more about what those features are so I can properly understand what is a natural variance. Part of me wonders if there are actually two species here. But it could be just looking at different ages or genders, or something else I don’t understand.

The Soft Coral Is Still At St Helens Boat Ramp

Jade Craven · March 22, 2024 ·

My photos from St Helens recently were mediocre, so I decided to return to get some better ones. One of my main issues was that the photos of Erythropodium hicksoni were out of focus.

These ones are still blurry. I tried using snapshot mode instead of micro to help me capture the whole scene. I think the angle I’m holding the camera at distorts things.

The coral is peeling back in some places but is still going strong in others. In some areas in makes the substrates – which can be life forms – more visible.

It has been a year since I bought the underwater camera. It’s fascinating seeing how the area has changed in that time.

Quick Visit the St Helens Boat Ramp: March 2024

Jade Craven · March 21, 2024 ·

I have heat intolerance. It is a pain at the best of times, but lately it has been kicking my arse. I’ve been lucky; I was able to leave the house during January and part of February without overheating. Unfortunately, my luck didn’t last. Earlier this month, I got crook despite the weather being cloudy and only 21 degrees. I’ve barely left the house since then and have been going stir crazy.

Naturally, I jumped at the chance to check out St Helens today even though the weather conditions weren’t the best. The wind was accompanied by a cool change and reduction in humidity. I was leaving the house either way.

It was a bit windy, so a number of these photos turned out blurry. Was still worthwhile and am planning to go back again soon.

I *did* end up getting crook (again) but it was so worth it.

Clearer Views of Ascidians at St Helens Boat Ramp

Jade Craven · February 25, 2024 ·

Some of these photos show how the decline of the soft coral gave me brilliant views of solitary ascidians.

The lightbulb ascidians seem to be declining since I started documenting this area. It feels like they are starting to slowly return.

Life Beyond The Soft Coral

Jade Craven · February 24, 2024 ·

At the end of January, I noticed a soft coral seemingly taking over parts of the St Helens boat ramp. In less than 3 weeks, it had started to peel away.

This is fascinating. The pontoons are left almost bare in some of the spots. This gives me a great opportunity to observe marine life as it is growing back! The solitary sea squirts are incredibly resilient. I’ve been able to get clear views of their whole body (tunic?) instead of just the syphon.

Will be monitoring the area more closely to see how things bounce back.