Latest midwater BRUVS surveys in the South-west Corner Marine Park and Geographe Marine Park

Credit: Marine Futures Lab / Jett Walker

Congratulations to our team led by Nadine Mauch and Jett Walker, with support from Chloe Crossland, Izzie Evans, Rachel Tan, Ramesh Sankar, who, together, knocked off midwater BRUVS surveys last month in the South-west Corner Marine Park and Geographe Marine Park. The teams were supported by the fantastic Mike Tropiano of Ningaloo Expeditions on his beautifully named vessel Peppe de valigia which translates to “Joe and his suitcase”. Nothing better to describe exploration than a suitcase!

These two surveys mark our 5th and 6th expeditions to these two marine parks. Commencing in 2017 prior to the 2018 establishment of these parks, our long term monitoring now spans 9 years. Fun fact? Off of Gracetown in the South-west Corner Marine Park, we saw yet another shortfin mako pup – nearly every survey we have seen pups at this location. These surveys, part of our Great West Ozzie Transect (GWOT) are being conducted to assist the Australian Government in understanding marine park performance.

A special shoutout to Mike of Ningaloo Expeditions – clearly he is a very skilled skipper and Peppe handles well. Swell and wind were less than congenial, as can be the case in the southwest. But the team smashed it, did so safely and even got a round of applause from the surfers exiting the water!