Scientists diving to record sea slugs in Sea Slug Census on Gold Coast

GOLD Coast divers this weekend could help to uncover new species of one of the planet’s weirdest and most colourful of marine creatures — ‘underwater butterflies’.

GOLD Coast beaches will soon become the playground for a ‘treasure hunt’ in the search for some of the planet’s weirdest and most colourful marine creatures — sea slugs.

Citizen scientists will dive along the coastline this weekend in an attempt to photograph as many different species of sea slugs as possible.

A sea slug. Picture: supplied

But it’s not just for fun — divers will take part in the Sea Slug Census, which contributes to valuable marine research through Southern Cross University.

Divers can still register to take part. To register, click here.

Southern Cross University marine biologist Professor Steve Smith said there was only limited data around the Gold Coast and the event would help to add to the growth of knowledge.

NEVER MISS A MINUTE WITH THE GOLD COAST BULLETIN APP

A sea slug, or underwater butterfly. Picture: supplied

“We’ve recorded lots of undescribed species (through the census),” Prof Smith said.

“There’s about 6000 species of sea slug around the world, we know of about 3500.

“We’re pushing 300 species on the Gold Coast, but we know that there’s more.”

Prof Smith said he was confident divers would find up to 20 new species this weekend.

Unfortunately, divers won’t be able to simply name their new-found species — but they could win prizes for taking part in the census.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FOR 50C A DAY

Generally taxonomists name the newly-identified species, however naming rights are sometimes opened up to the public as well.

Scientists will use the data to map their distribution across the waterways and identify changes over time.

More than 1000 divers have taken part since 2013 to record the sea slugs.

Divers will receive prizes in finding different species and grabbing spectacular photos.

The creatures are important indicators of environmental change because of their rapid life cycles and specific feeding requirements.