Meet Parma kermadecensis, commonly known as the Kermadec scalyfin. As its scientific name suggests, it is a Kermadec endemic, meaning it is found only here (although two individuals have been seen at the Poor Knights). The Kermadec scalyfin is related

Our ‘extra terrestrials’ Peter and Warren spent this morning ashore on Cheeseman Island, the smaller (and less active!) of the two islands we are currently exploring. Here is a photo essay of the island courtesy of Warren. First up, to

Some of you have asked what other methods – apart from rotenone and air lifting – we’re applying in the water to catch our growing collection of fish species and marine invertebrates, so here’s how it’s done in deeper waters

Our land team didn’t find Macauley all that welcoming and even though the marine team had a successful time underwater they have described the waters around the island as being more “barren” than the waters around Raoul. The big boulders

By day, they dive. And by night, they sort fish. Every evening the fish team are out on the back deck, processing fish samples. They have a well-oiled routine, and each person knows their job. By this stage of the

It was Clinton’s birthday today, and as you can tell from his birthday cake (made by first mate Broughton at midnight last night, so it would be a surprise) he is interested in sharks. We’ve only seen a couple of

Warren and Peter have returned from their stint ashore on Macauley Island, and describe the island as ‘heinous’! Getting around was slow and scratchy due to chest high ferns hiding soft soil pockmarked with seabird burrows. I’ll post more about

Another installment on what Peter has been up to (in addition to observing birdlife). Peter has been having a merry time botanising. He is especially pleased to have got onto so many of the small islands around Raoul when we

Continuing on our plant theme. There have been some exciting new plants finds, as well as fish finds. Peter found three species of filmy ferns that are new records for the Kermadecs when we were around Raoul. Trichomones humile and