Wild Tobago

The ocean is an unending source of wonder. Dr Anjani Ganase discusses a few of the discoveries made in 2021 including the realization that protection should be secured by cooperation among all nations working together.   Let’s support ocean exploration and discoveries in our ocean backyard. Photo of Tobago’s reefs courtesy The Maritime Ocean Collection.   REGENERATION FROM A DECAPITATED HEAD Scientists have discovered two species of sea slugs that can regenerate the whole body including major organs such as the heart and intestines, from a decapitated head. The wound at the site of decapitation healed within the day and the severed head continues to be mobile for feeding. The slug regrew a heart within seven days with full regeneration in less than 20 days. However, survival after decapitation only happened in the young slugs; while slugs older than a year (or if they had parasites) eventually died. Scientists have theorized that because these slugs in...

Divers “collect” images of these undersea creatures, much like birders pursue the birds in their habitats. This piece is an ode to some weird and wonderful little creatures of the marine world. Dr Anjani Ganase, marine ecologist, looks at nudibranchs   If I were to mention that this piece is about sea slugs, you might imagine the slimy land slugs that raid your crops and leave in their wakes unapologetic trails of slime. However, sea slugs, also known as nudibranchs (pronounced noo-dee-bronkh), on the other hand, have evolved to become some of the most vibrant marine critters adapted with flamboyant costuming in vivid colours and eccentric patterns. They have amassed a following of divers - similar to birders - who travel the world to collect images of these tiny creatures.   Sheep nudibranch, Tulamben, Bali. Credit:  Toby Matthews / Ocean Image Bank What are nudibranchs?   Nudibranchs are part of a large group of sea slugs (opistobranc...