The colorful reefs of... Britain?!?

The common belief is that only tropical waters have colorful fish and reefs, but one look at the pics linked below will have you rethink what exists out there in temperate waters. These photos are the result of a competition between managers at the Skomer Marine Reserve which surrounds Skomer Island off of Britain's western coast. Scientists have been surprised by the stunning colors of marine life found in the depths there and life is diverse. Over 1000 species have been recorded on the seabed alone. Amazing.


Incredible marine life exists at Skomer Marine Reserve - Credit: dailymail.co.uk


Gurnard fish - Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Nearly 100 species of sponge and 67 species of sea slug have been recorded, including two species of slug scientists were unaware of.

Marine Conservation Officer Mark Burton said: 'People think that our native fish and marine life are colourless and dull.

'But the photographs show that many of our fish can match the beauty of the world's famous coral reefs.'



Source (AND ALL PICTURES HERE):
Amazing exotic underwater world... just off the British coast | Mail Online

 

Thats where i was born and raised. When you lived in a fishing village there and spent all your summer days at the beach or fishing this news doesn't come as much of a surprise. There are some beautiful coloured wrasse we used to catch off the cliffs there, that wouldn't look out of place in a tropical reef tank.

 

Britain/Ireland is on my top 5 dive locale list