Nelson Bay’s previously incredible marine life was still slowly recovering from the March ’21 local freshwater floods but nevertheless there was plenty to see with Flatheads and their babies, Crested Horn sharks, Red Scorpion Cod, Octopus, Blind sharks, Fiddler rays etc etc.
I was joined underwater by my Newcastle friend Trevor Howard and staying with Mary and me, by Canadians Andy and Laura Murch. Andy who owns sharksandrays,com has photographed more sharks and rays than anyone but a shark missing from his collection was a Crested horn shark, a shark that could be found at Fly Point, Nelson Bay. Phillip Campey from Feet First dive centre had seen them there recently at around 25 metres and sure enough, when I checked, there were plenty there. Good news for Andy, It seems that the Crested horn sharks may be temperature sensitive. I had seen them in the shallows when the water was cold but now it was warm and they could only be found deep.
I had treated myself to a Subnado, a small underwater scooter to help me cover greater distances underwater - it also provided some fun for Mary’s sons Aaron and Daniel.