Although the aquatic wildlife is obvious to many of the local guides and dive masters, very little has ever been published, and as such the rest of the world knows very little. Ever since the early days I have been compiling a Vanuatu Aquatic Fauna Survey and each expedition new sightings are added to the various list of species within each respective phylum.
Quite often I am assisted by dive guides and divers who see something specific and can identify it from my various books produced to increase knowledge and simplify visual identification.
Identity Crisis (Vanuatu Aquatic Fauna Survey)
Fair common resident of many of the Port Vila dive sites, the attractive little Red and Black Anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus grows to around 120 mm and may be seen living as a large colony where there are groups of its resident sea anemones.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
Certainly, the success of our (Sorting out the stuff!) IDENTITY CRISIS pages in Sportdiving Magazine appears to be driven by an upsurge in diver interest in critters. This interest has been growing steadily over the last few years and has resulted in Belinda (Sportdivings designer and co-owner) to increase the pages from the original one to where it now enjoys four to six pages each issue in an effort to manage the amount of inquiries received.
There is no doubt that this new interest has been made easier for all by the advancement in technology of laptop computers and digital cameras. This service is extended to divers everywhere and was especially popular at past Vanuatu Dive Festivals.
Every digital image, or description or observed species was able to be determined and even the really obscure verbal descriptions were eventually identified. Everybody kicked in with things they saw and the dive guides added their expertise with many new records being established for the fauna survey.
When I first found this nudibranch form at Hideaway Island house reef I was convinced that it had to be a new species. However, after a lot of deliberation and finding similar, but different forms at Santo, it has turned out to just be another form of the Ocellate Phyllidia Phyllidia ocellata.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
The Underwater Photo Contest added to the overall interest and I sat in on the excellent workshop presentations given by Mark McCrum on digital photography and did my best to understand what the 10 buttons (instead of just a trigger) actually did!
His workshop was very well attended and appreciated by all. Everybody learnt something. One thing is for sure, the relative simplicity and small investment required for underwater imagery show it to be the future, and, as such, a great asset to the cause of underwater photography and the visual recording of marine life in general. I can see the future where it will make underwater fauna surveys...a breeze, and everybody, an expert!
Hideaway Island Underwater Post Office
Situated on the shore (protected) side of Hideaway Island, the Underwater Post Office sponsored by Vanuatu Post is the only operational underwater post office in the world. Its huge success has resulted in large numbers of visitors to the island and has further encouraged Vanuatus tourism industry, assisting all its various sponsors.
Only 50 metres from shore and at a mere three metres in depth the Underwater Post Office provides a unique experience to all people of variable ages to participate in posting off the special waterproof postcards developed by Vanuatu Post which are then delivered across the entire world.
Vanuatu Post office staff were especially trained by Hideaway Islands dive instructors so that they can clear the underwater mail box at regular intervals.
Vanuatu Post
Before my World of Water Wildlife Guide to Vanuatu was available very little had ever been published on the variety, or extent of Vanuatu wildlife. Much of what was available had been produced by Vanuatu Post in conjunction with the Vanuatu Tourism Office. The stamps, first-day covers, stamp sets, postcards, brochures and booklets have proved extremely popular and the ongoing project has already displayed many species of Vanuatu wildlife, including a host of marine subjects.
Hideaway Island Marine Park Sanctuary
Discovered in only 15 metres of water near a drop off, this Pearly Nautilus Nautilus pompilius was found during an early morning dive. This one was a bit late in undertaking its vertical migration back down to the 300 metres it generally lives at over the daylight hours.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
The Vanuatu Underwater Post Office is within the boundaries of the Mel Reef Marine Sanctuary. This area (in a similar process to the SS President Coolidge in Santo) is a declared preservation area and, as such, no spear fishing or aquarium fish collecting are permitted within the boundaries of the sanctuary.
Those responsible for having these areas declared as marine sanctuaries are to be congratulated. One of the most difficult processes associated with getting any marine sanctuary declared in developing countries is the difficulty in rationalising the value not-take areas provide for the entire community.
One of Vanuatus most beautiful species the flame angelfish Centropyge loricula
occurs in shallow and deep water. (Photo: Roger Steene)
The best analogy I can give is in the case of giant Maori wrasse of the Great Barrier Reef. Not so long ago they were ruthlessly hunted by spearing them at night when they slept in their caves and line fishing for them during the day. Each fish was only worth between $50 and $100 to the fishermen.
Today, each giant Maori wrasse living around the outer barrier pontoons visited daily by giant catamarans from the mainland cities is worth a staggering $250,000 per year to the tourism industry.
Every try dive or resort diver for a day can be photographed swimming with these gentle giants of the deep. A thrill many thousands have related to.
I dived for 30 years before I ever got the chance to dive with and photograph a giant Maori wrasse. For any resort that can provide their customers with living wildlife experiences, and sharing the knowledge about the animals and plants they look after, the future is assured.
The Diving
Hideaway Islands dive professionals provide an entire range of services, from snorkelling, to discovery dives, certified dive courses, up to dive master training. The dive shop has an impressive number of tanks and a large range of hire gear.
DIVE SITES
Generally keeping to waters below 10 metres, the Eclipse Pigfish Bodianus loxozonus is a solitary species with a large territorial foraging area.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
I had been looking for this species for many years and only had glimpes of it in caves out on the Great Barrier Reef. I went over the front of the the house reef at Hideaway Island just out from the Dive shop and at 15 metres there was an entire school of Black - spot Squirrelfish Sargocentron melanospilus out in the open near a gap in the reef.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
Gorgonian sea fans similar to this one can be seen along many drop offs and reef slopes bordering deep water. They like areas of good current flow and feed on plankton that is carried along by tidal movements.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
The White - spotted Hermit Crab Dardanus megistos frequents coral clumps and beneath ledges during the day and more apt to be seen during night dives. The night diving in the harbour is quite good at night with a unbelievable number of species to be see. I really did not ecpect much, but was astounded just how many species I was able to photograph.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
This form of Necklace Sea Star Fromia sp. can be seen in Vanuatu but it does not appear to correspond with any known form. However, it may just be a variation. Only time will determine ( and a few more images) what its name might turn out to be in the long term?
(Photo Neville Coleman)
The captivating Broard - banded Cuttlefish Sepia latimanus is always a great favourite to see on the Port Vila reefs. At some localities they have become so used to divers that they allow very close interaction.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
Leafy Scorpionfish Taenianotus triacanthus ( pink/purple version) at 15 metres over the edge of the outer reef. A lot more common than most divers assume, this species comes in black, yellow, white, yellow and red.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
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A regular inhabitant of shallow water, the lemon peel
angelfish Centropyge flavissimus has a blue cheek spine, a blue circle around its eye and as such, is very easy to identify.
(Photo Neville Coleman)
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank everybody who work and have worked to make Hideaway Island Diving the fantastic experience it is. All the Hideaway Island staff who provide the daily services and make everybody feel welcome with pleasant natures and big smiles for all.
A special thank you to all the past, and present dive guides including Jerry Songolapa, Luaky Nabanga, Johnny Crowby, Pedro Kaltavara, Joka Nganga, Mark Anatu and Willie Taso.
Congratulations also to all the dive guides on their excellent results in finding nudibranchs. In only two weeks they increased the known number of nudibranchs found at Vanuatu from 38 to 58 species, many images of those species have ben included in my recent publication NUDIBRANCHS ENCYCLOPEDIA.
Keep up the good work, guys...100 species would be a good aim because there is every reason to believe that with some keen people looking we could find several hundred species in the long term.
Special thank you to the dive boat crew who keep it all working nicely and are always there when you need them.
Neville Coleman's diving expeditions, fauna surveys, photographic fauna surveys and marine life identification courses include every major group of marine life.
Neville Coleman's expertise in marine life identification extends to the identification of Algae, Sea Grass, Forams, Sponges, Stony Corals, Soft Corals, Sea Anemones, Sea Jellies, Zoanthids, Corallimorphs, Black Corals, Flatworms, Segmented Worms, Crustaceans, Barnacles, Shrimps, Rock Lobsters, Hermit Crabs, Squat Lobsters, Molluscs, Chitons, Univalves, Bivalves, Cephalopods, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Squid, Opisthobranchs, Nudibranchs, Sea Slugs, Bryozoans, Sea Mosses, Echinoderms, Sea Stars, Feather Stars, Brittle Stars, Sea Urchins, Sea Cucumbers, Ascidians/Sea Squirts, Marine Fish, Sharks, Marine Reptiles, and Marine Mammals, all found in the waters around Vanuatu Islands and reefs.
( Copyright Neville Coleman)
Travellers Tips
Geographical location
In the heart of Melanesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to the west, Fiji to the east and New Caledonia to the south.
Climate
Wet season is from November to April, average temperature is 28C. Dry season May to October, average temperature 23C.
Customs
Passengers over 15 years - 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos. 1.5 litres alcohol and 2 litres wine and 25 cl eau de toilette and 10 cl perfume, plus a total of 50.000 vatu (approx. A$600) in unused goods. Visitor personal effects are entered duty free.
Dress
Light and casual, but not too brief in public places please. Tropical clothes for evening wear - no ties.
Electrical voltage
220-280 volts 50 Hz, AC, mainly three-point plugs in hotels. Most electrical goods shops in Vila and Luganville sell adaptors that are usually compatible with foreign designs.
Emergency Services
Fire telephone (678) 22 333, Police phone (678) 22 222, Ambulance phone (678) 22 100. Santo Fire phone (678) 36 333, Police phone (678) 36 222, Ambulance phone (678) 36 345.
Entertainment
All major hotels have regular entertainment. In the evenings men drink kava at kava bars or Nakamals; regular Melanesian cultural shows are available at the major hotels as well as outside Port Vila.
Entry requirements
For stays not exceeding 30 days, visitors who are nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Fiji, Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, USA are automatically issued with a visa for one month on arrival. For other nationalities and stays in excess of 30 days, visas are only obtainable from the Immigration Department, PMB 014, Port Vila, Vanuatu - Tel: (678) 22 354, Fax: (678) 25 492. Opening hours 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, except Tuesday afternoon closed for sport activities.
Food
Dining out is a highlight of Vanuatu. Fresh local fish, beef, fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply. Top class restaurants offer Melanesian, French, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Thai-Vietnamese, English, Mediterranean, European and Japanese specialities.
Handicraft centres
Handikraft Blong Vanuatu, located in the downtown end of Port Vila, provides a wide selection of authentic handicrafts from many islands of Vanuatu, including Art Blong Yumi, Goodies, Centre Point Markets, Exotic Arts plus several other centres and little stalls in the islands.
Health regulations
No vaccinations are required but anti-malarial precautions are recommended for visits to outer islands.
History and politics
Independent since July 1980, Vanuatu is a self-governing Republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. The President is the Head of State. The government is based on the Westminster system.
Languages
Bislama, English and French. The 115 mother tongues are still in common use.
Medical
Hospital facilities exist in Port Vila and Luganville, Espiritu Santo. There are no dangerous animals or insects.
Money exchange
The exchange places in downtown Port Vila are Goodies Money Exchange and Club Vanuatu (RSL).
Population
Melanesian people born in Vanuatu are known as Ni-Vanuatu. The total population is over 196,000. Many other nationalities are found in the urban areas of the country.
Quarantine
If you are purchasing coral, shells, tree fern carvings in Vanuatu to take home you may need an export permit. Check with the Department of Environment Tel (678) 25 302. Customs in your own country may require a fumigation certificate on items such as mats, grass skirts and wooden carvings, otherwise they may confiscate these goods. Contact Quarantine at the Department of Agriculture for information Tel (678) 23 130.
Religion
Christian
Shopping
Foreign cash, travellers cheques and major international credit cards (Amex, Diners, JCB, MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted. BankCard is not normally accepted. Most shops close for siesta from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Eating places, banks and supermarkets do not observe siesta. All shops are open on Saturday morning including specialty shops. Supermarkets and suburban general stores open early and close late seven days a week. The colourful market in the town centre operates every day except Sundays, for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts. A great spot to meet the locals!
Telecommunications
Worldwide satellite communications, 24 hour telephone, telex, fax, plus e-mail and internet services. Internet cafe in Port Vila and Luganville.
Time
Vanuatu time is GMT/UMT plus 11 hours, which is one hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard time.
Transportation
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Cars and vans are available for hire. Taxis are plentiful and are all metered. Mini-buses offer a frequent though not time-tabled service; merely flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go. The fare is 100 vatu a trip. Inter-island travel is mainly air, inter-island boats taking deck passengers are irregular. Cruise ships regularly call in at Port Vila.
Water
The urban water is safe to drink from the tap. When travelling to the outer islands it is advisable to take drinking water along.
Neville Coleman's diving expeditions, fauna surveys, photographic fauna surveys and marine life identification courses include every major group of marine life.
Neville Coleman's expertise in marine life identification extends to the identification of Algae, Sea Grass, Forams, Sponges, Stony Corals, Soft Corals, Sea Anemones, Sea Jellies, Zoanthids, Corallimorphs, Black Corals, Flatworms, Segmented Worms, Crustaceans, Barnacles, Shrimps, Rock Lobsters, Hermit Crabs, Squat Lobsters, Molluscs, Chitons, Univalves, Bivalves, Cephalopods, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Squid, Opisthobranchs, Nudibranchs, Sea Slugs, Bryozoans, Sea Mosses, Echinoderms, Sea Stars, Feather Stars, Brittle Stars, Sea Urchins, Sea Cucumbers, Ascidians/Sea Squirts, Marine Fish, Sharks, Marine Reptiles, and Marine Mammals, all found in the waters around.
( Copyright Neville Coleman)