Rare Guests Make Winter Splash

Newcastle Herald

Saturday August 9, 2008

By MATTHEW KELLY

A DIVERSE array of marine life is making a winter stopover in Lake Macquarie, including a manta ray and giant blue groper.

Alison Dunne spotted the manta ray, which she estimated to be about two metres wide, on July 19 while looking for sea turtles in the Eraring power station outlet at Myuna Bay.

"It [the ray] was about 600 metres along the channel," she said.

"It was splashing about near the surface and making a huge commotion.

"I've seen smaller rays there before but nothing like this."

She said nearby fishermen indicated the ray had been in the area for about two weeks.

Fishing authority Jason Nunn said manta rays were rarely seen in the lake.

"It probably got caught in a current and came into the lake during the storms," Mr Nunn said.

"I'd say he will probably be here for a while yet. He won't hurt anyone."

It was probably attracted to the warmer water around the power station.

"The temperature in the lake has dropped off quite sharply in recent weeks so it looks like he's gone in search of warmer water," Mr Nunn said.

He said a giant groper, normally found near rocky coastal outcrops, was seen off Pulbah Island this week.

"It was a monster, between 30 and 40 pounds," Mr Nunn said.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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