Sarangani (gen san) may '08 report

[Dr. Stan]

Was able to get some dive time in Sarangani With the Cambridge team. With the recent passage of two storms, there is still some particulate matter suspended in the waters so viz will depend on whether the tides are moving water in or out of the bay. The diving consisted of shore entries at maharlika (for macro) and the Heitz Hilton (aka Rocky beach), boat dives at tabu and sandbar, and some offshore reef diving at maasin, chapter and malbar. The boat is typical for the fishing vessels in the area but has added a boarding ladder for diver ingress/egress. GPS was very helpful to get to some of the sites. After having some problems with spear fishers who targeted the sharks at maasin, i am happy to report that there is at least one shark that we were able to see after several months absence. The Cambridge team continues to do exploratory dives for new sites or specific sightings, and the reef dome project enjoys continued success and is nearing complete deployment. Nitrox will become available soon.

A football sized angler (maharlika)

not a good shot but am just happy to see him

A big turtle with John Fish

some WA at the Heitz Hilton

 

[tboxcar]

Great Shots, and yes the 'Heitz Hilton', will be putting in my advanced bookings soon.

 

[Kupu]

Nice pictures Stan! I like the angler shot from mahalika, I bet you were still on the hunt for the lacy scorpionfish? Good to see the turtle hanging out by Johns place and the maasin sharks are still around.

 

[pakman]

love that last one! thanks for the report and pics.

 

[Dr. Stan]

Nice pictures Stan! I like the angler shot from mahalika, I bet you were still on the hunt for the lacy scorpionfish? Good to see the turtle hanging out by Johns place and the maasin sharks are still around.

Thanks Dustin. You should check with John about your sked, coz i know he is gearing up for your visit. I think he even has a surprise for you (something about cowboys).

 

[Dr. Stan]

WA

Macro

And to cap it all, a visit to the fishport

 

[Kupu]

I would love to find that nudi, looks like a Nembrotha lineolata, but unusual dark circles around the rhinopores (looks like raccoon eyes) and the lines extend much closer to the gills compared to normal. Not to mention the pig snout on the front...hmmm...looks like another shot from maharlika?

I'll drop John a line soon, maybe he plans on reactivating Let-it-Rip dive tours....I'll be there.

 

[Dr. Stan]

? Kentrodoris rubescence ?

 

[Kupu]

Aha!...I see it now in the books, listed as Jorunna rubescens in Nudibranchs Encyclopedia and Nudibranchs of the World, formerly listed as Kentrodoris rubescens.

 

[jr.dm]

Kupu hows it hanging?

jr.dm