The campground wall

We had heard that sea-hares were around the wall at the base of the Council Caravan Park so went for a walk there this afternoon. Once we got down to the top of the wall we were struck by the array of shells sticking above the waterline.  Note that judging by the expanse of sand visible across the Inlet the water level was very low.

Most of the shells (especially those of oysters) appeared open and empty.  Some of the mussels still seemed to be closed and thus probably containing a live organism.  A Turban is also visible to the right of the mussel.

We also noticed a lot of sea-squirts.  We were alerted to these when we walked to Captains Creek Jetty a few weeks ago.  They look rather like Cunjevoi but aren't!  Any suggestions for ID would be welcome.

Mixed in with the squirts were a few of these organisms.  Our first thought was some form of sea-anemone, but the fronds seem not to be part of the main "body".  Suggestions of any ID welcome.  A comment on the Mallacoota Weather and Wildlife FB page has suggested a crinoid as the most likely suspect, which seems a fair suggestion.  Frances then saw images of polychaete worms (genus Sabella) which also looked promising.  Wikipedia says (emphasis added):

"Sabella is a genus of marine polychaete worm. Members of this genus are filter feeders and there are about ninety species. They live in tubes made of mud that project from the sand surface. They have a crown of feathery tentacles that protrude when the animal is submerged but are retracted when the animal is above water."

The fronds retreated when poked, showing the "main body" to be a rather different shape to the surrounding squirts.

Finally we found a sea-hare (Aplysia sp.)!

As we walked back up to Captain Stevenson's Point I noticed that the flowers on the flame trees seemed to have passed their use-by date.

Looking over the sandy flats (complete with one immature Pacific Gull) there was obviously thought to be a good lot of fish coming through the mouth.

We didn't see anyone catch a fish.

I rode down there the next day to check the official depth gauge.  I estimated it as -0.15m!

This gives a bit of an idea of how shallow the Inlet is these days.  I am surprised there haven't been reports of boats getting stuck!

 A couple of immature Pacific Gulls were on the banks.  Compare the size with a Silver Gull ...

 ... and a Little Black Cormorant.

 A Pelican balances on a light pole and stacks a few zeds!

 A Flame tree close to the wharf still has a fair set of flowers.

On the way back home I took a pic of the outlet from the Lagoon.  Almost dry!

 It didn't seem to be worrying this Chestnut Teal too much!