Impressions of Triton Bay from one of the first explorers to the region – Burt Jones
The Bird’s Head Seascape’s Triton Bay is special. We first went there, with Larry Smith, for the soft corals. Since Triton Bay Divers opened, however, the entire gamut of subjects have been located; from the tiniest of pygmies to whale sharks, and, just to add a “bit of cream to the topping”, a flasher wrasse encounter like no other! Today I’m sharing wide angle images. I think you will agree Triton Bay is unique. Enjoy
State of the Bird’s Head Seascape MPA 2019
Triton Bay (Kaimana) is one of three regions in West Papua, Indonesia, that comprise the Bird’s Head Seascape, which is generally recognized as the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. This area is a major priority for the Indonesian government and global NGO’s such as Conservation International, the Nature Conservatory, the World Wildlife Fund, amongst others, and a network of Marine Park Areas (MPAs) have been established over the past decade throughout the region. For those interested, this report provides an update on the state of the MPA network and provides a detailed look at the work that these NGOs do here. It can be downloaded from this link.
October is Macro Month
If you love critters then October is the best time to visit. We believe there are two reasons for this: 1) It is the start of the diving season and the reefs will not have had any divers for at least four months. Yes, there does seem to be an inverse correlation between the number of divers visiting a site and the number of critters seen. And 2) the critters seem to enjoy cooler waters. However, to spot most of these guys you will need to have a guide who really knows the sites. Dive sites change and a site which was hot one season can be disappointing the next. October isn’t the best season for wide angle photography, but if you are into macro it is well worth it.
Below are some images taken by amateur nudibranch specialists Sylvia & Joel Meudic, who stayed with us last October. In two weeks, they photographed over 100 different species of nudibranchs as well as a plethora of pygmy seahorses and other critters such as pipefish, frogfish, crabs and shrimp. To view their excellent and very comprehensive portfolio of images from Triton Bay, please see this page.
Walking Shark & Flasher Wrasse Videos
Here is very rare footage of two of Triton Bay’s most special attractions: the Triton Bay walking shark and the Paracheilinus nursalim flasher wrasse. The walking shark is also known as an epaulette shark, and this species is endemic to Triton Bay. Watch how it moves along the ocean floor. Meanwhile, this particular species of flasher wrasse, though common locally, can only be found in the southern part of the Bird’s Headseascape. Flasher wrasse are like peacocks of the ocean, as the males, in bright, beautiful colors, put on a show each afternoon to attract the ladies!
Many thanks to Jacinto Castillo for both videos, which were taken when he stayed with us in 2018!
The walking shark can be seen starting at 11:00 minutes into the video.
DIVER Magazine article by Brandon Cole
Check out this wonderfully written and photographed article from Brandon & Melissa Cole, who stayed with us in January 2019. The article appeared in the Summer issue of Diver Magazine, and a German version has also recently appeared in Tauchen. Thanks so much Brandon & Melissa!