Searching for Smeagol

There is new hope for the survival of a species of critically endangered marine slug, with DPI Fisheries locating two populations of the critters on the NSW south coast in recent weeks, after years of no sightings.

First described in 1992, the critically endangered marine slug Smeagol hilaris was previously known to occur in one very small rocky gutter at Merry Beach, just north of Batemans Bay.

However, as recent searches for the species had failed to locate it, there was grave concern about the ongoing survival of the species.

Last week DPI Fisheries Marine Ecosystem scientists found 37 of the critically endangered marine slugs at Merry Beach. This was the first sighting in many years.

Excitingly, collaboration with the University of Western Sydney led to the discovery of a new population of Smeagol at Kiama, approximately 140 km north of the Merry Beach population.

The continued presence of Smeagol hilaris at Merry Beach, plus the discovery of a new population at Kiama gives us hope for the future of this critically endangered species.

Have you seen this marine slug?

Smeagol hilaris is an air breathing marine slug that grows to 5-6 mm long. Not pretty to look at, Smeagol’s internal organs are visible due to its translucent whiteish skin.   It lives in gravel and cobble filled rocky crevices and until recently was only ever located at one location, Merry Beach. With just 46 individuals recorded in the last survey, it is indeed critically endangered. So keep an eye out for this unassuming critter if you’re visiting beaches of the South Coast of NSW and let us know if you find any at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species/report-it

The Marine Slug (Smeagol hilaris) - Surveys for Critically Endangered Species Recovery project is a Marine Estate Management Strategy project.

For further information: Smeagol hilaris (nsw.gov.au)