2020 Nov to Dec
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It was difficult not to feel guilty. While Covid19 ravaged the world, I continued to enjoy life in the coronavirus-free sanctuary of Nelson Bay. 

One dive at The Pipeline was particularly special. A fast-swirling motion on the seabed caught my eye. It was two blue lined octopuses whirling around and around in a very rapid motion. Even at 1/250th shutter speed and with flash, it proved difficult to get a sharp shot. I assumed that they were mating. Later Dr Dave Harasti, a Senior Research Scientist and marine biologist, reviewed my photos and confirmed that this was the case. When octopuses mate, one of the male’s eight arms, usually the third right arm, acts as a penis and is inserted into the female’s mantle. This arm is modified for mating with an embedded groove and an end shaped like a spoon. The male’s sperm slides down this groove and into the female’s oviduct. 

Other marine life highlights during these two months were Weedfish in the shallows of The Pipeline and Sydney Cardinalfish with eggs in their mouths at Fly Point. 

Most of my dives were solo but sometimes I was sociable (!) and dived with Meryl Larkin, Mick Todd, Sophie Smith or Trevor Howard.