It wasn’t as dramatic as in November 2017 when some beaches were almost knee deep in the creatures. Both times they were the Pacific species, Physalia utriculus, which has one long stinging tentacle dangling from its float.

Meanwhile, on some of our sheltered beaches, egg-laden sand collars are appearing in numbers. These are made by one of the moon snail species that live and hunt just below the surface of the sand in shallow water.

If you hold a fresh flexible sand collar up to the light you can see the eggs embedded among the sand grains. Shells of pipis and other clams with neatly bored holes in their apex are evidence that a moon snail has eaten the owner.

The Nature Coast Marine Group has many activities where members can have fun learning about our marine environment. Visit www.ncmg.org.au or our Facebook page.

The group had a stall at Art on the Path in Broulee. It was a wonderful opportunity to show people the spectacular underwater ecosystems and colourful creatures of the Batemans Marine Park.

The group has excellent photographers and Jen Thompson’s fantastic still shots are featured at www.ncmg.org.au. Underwater videos and photos can be seen on the Facebook page. Phil Booth and Lynda Burke produced a DVD of the creatures under Narooma Wharf. This has proved very popular and only a few copies remain.

Art on the Path was an opportunity for people to find out what is happening with the Batemans Marine Park, as NCMG is closely involved with the current review process.

The vast majority of people who spoke to the group supported the park and sanctuary zones (no-take areas); 170 signatures were quickly gathered for a petition calling on the NSW Government not to weaken current protections, including sanctuary zones.