Prep. before heading down to start the fieldwork
Padina spp. (the brown algae, centre) growing in Asparagopsis spp, (the red algae), showing the high algal diversity at Cottesloe Reef
Schools of small fish were common
Ecklonia radiata (common kelp) are the dominant benthic species in the outer habitat zones of Cottesloe Reef
Chromodoris westraliensis (nudibranch) is one of the star attractions off Cottesloe Reef
Red Lipped Morwong (Cheilodactylus spectablis)
Beleive it or not, these sea tulips (Pyura spinifera) are actually an animal – they are ascidians
Stingers proved a nuisance during our April trips!
Halophila ovalis – an ephemeral seagrass species – was common across the Cottesloe Ecosystem
Caulerpa (sea grapes) was another common green algae in the outer habitat areas
Zoanthids at Cottesloe Reef
Halimeda spp. from Cottesloe Reef
Certain fish and algae species only grew in some habitat zones
Photo:Rebecca Dracup
Echinoderms were common at Cottesloe Reef
Photo:Rebecca Dracup
The Cottesloe Ecosystem Research Project 
Hi,
Do you know what the scientific name of the last photo is ( the starfish)?
Hi Elly,
As a seagrass ecologist, starfish taxonomy is way outside my area of expertise, so I’m afraid I don’t know the name of this species.
There is a fantastic book by Graham Edgar (http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/7016.htm) called ‘Australian Marine Life’ that may be able to shed some more light though; it provides detailed photos and descriptions of most of the flora and fauna in Australian waters, so there is a good chance that it could be identified there. You actually have me intrigued as well, so the next time I’m passing the library I might pop in and have a look!
Sorry I can’t help you more, and if you find out the answer, please let me know.
Hi Elly,
I tracked down the pop I was telling you about – to me it looks as if the starfish in the photo is Coscinasterias muricata. It is also known as the 11 armed sea star, so it fits the bill! Apparently it is an active predator of molluscs and is considered a keystone species – pretty cool!