More milestones: 250 species & 1000 observations
As the diving/snorkeling season is now upon us, I'm thrilled to see a wave of new observations added to the project area.
Special thanks must be given to @davemmdave for his keen eye for detail and making uncommon sightings... his recent visit to Port Noarlunga is a reminder of the power of a new perspective and pair of eyes! I'd also like to acknowledge @hfb for her assistance with algae identification from the USA, and @mtank for his work trying to make sense of that poorly studied group: ascidians.
Sponge, algae and ascidian identifications remain problematic, but represent a significant proportion of the biota of the project area. This area is ripe for private study and expert assistance.
Our geographical coverage of the project area continues to improve, with the largest data gap now being the southern section of reef which lies beyond the path of most divers who visit the area. This can be accessed from shore, but not easily by weak swimmers, as the round trip would likely involve a swim distance of roughly a kilometre, much of which is over uninspiring sandy bottom.
Thanks to everyone who's participated in sharing their observations and identifications to date... this project is streaks in front of any other on the Onkaparinga coast, with the exception of Aldinga Bay (which is competing on species count). The Aldinga Bay project does cover a much larger geographical area, but is also fortunate to receive regular contributions from the keen eyes of @wamoz .
If you'd like to see how sighting data is accumulating across the Onkaparinga region, check out this project: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/onkaparinga-coastal-projects
