|
In April 09 our Philippine team
of shell-hunters went to Nocnocan Is., in the north of Bohol
(10°14'48''N 124°24'20''E).
We took the MV Sabrina and the bangka Chocolat from Mactan, as floating hotel and as mobile diving platform for excursions in the vicinity. Our target was an area that is rich in endemic molluscan fauna. We found the place, and the rumors were true: plenty of rare and unusual shells. The biggest surprise though was meeting the local population, whose friendly and welcoming nature made our trip even more memorable. |
  our catamaran MV Sabrina, especially equipped for the study of molluscan biodiversity |
 The deck of the Sabrina has plenty of room for daytime leisure.   Sorting the catch from a night-dive.  The muddy sandy habitats around
Nocnocan are only 6-12 m deep but bear an incredibly rich and diverse
fauna. Among the species we found in quantity were Conus longurionis,
Conus blainvillei, Vexillum albofulvum and several cowries typically
found in this kind of habitat (Erronea onyx, Erosaria miliaris,
Erosaria boivinii cuatoni and Erosaria labrolineata, dark form)
 E. boivinii cuatoni  E. labrolineata guarding an egg-cluster  Erosaria labrolineata - dark form typical for the north of Bohol     Talostolida teres teres   The Island of Nocnocan is a
station of
compressor divers. With the aid of a small compressor and a simple
hose, these guys dive down to 40-50 m to collect Cypraea valentia and
other goodies. This is a dangerous but very ecologic way of making a
living opposed to cyanide- and dynamite-fishermen whose activities have
diminuished the
fish-population in the area to the point that there are just none left.
|
 compressor divers arriving at our boat....  with the catch of the night before!   |
       |
| The video shows our boats, the
MV Sabrina and the Chocolat, especially equipped for the search and
documentation of molluscan diversity in the Philippines. We ankered at
Nocnocan Is. and had an opportunity to visit this clean and well
organized island. The children had been given a day off from school and
we had a fun time in their village. We wish to thank the lovely people
of Nocnocan for their friendly hospitality. Visitors are most welcome
in this interesting and poorly known part of the Philippines. |