When people think of underwater images - diving, snorkelling and marine creatures, most think of blue tropical waters packed with their brightly coloured and exotic fish. Think of the British coast however, and most think of cold green or grey water and the British holiday maker - the classic postcard view of ice cream, deck chairs and masses of seaweed. In fact, it is said that if you dive in UK waters, with its low temperatures and bad visibility, you can dive anywhere.
But dive in Britain is something you really want to do. Britains Coasts have so much more to offer and the life which dwells within our seas is fascinating, stunning, breathtakingly beautiful - and in danger. It has only been in the last 50 years that exploration of Britains UK waters has really begun and some of the discoveries are amazing. Due to our positioning and shallow coastal waters, we get a huge range of different types of species. Many are unexpected permanent residents such as leatherback turtle, Basking Sharks and the Blue Whale. We have many weird and wonderful species from Rainbow Wrasse to Jewel Anemones, Various Starfish to our (extremely cute) Grey Seal. Even Coral Reefs, which have always been thought to be warm water habitats, have been discovered off Scotland.
It is not just underwater either. With stunning coastlines and aquamarine waters, the British beach should no longer be related to arcades and sleepy old towns.
Photos:
1. Shore Crab
2. Jewel Anemones
3. Grey Seal
4. Tintagel Coast, Cornwall.
For further information and pictures of beautiful British Marine Species and Coastal Areas:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/coast/
http://www.mcsuk.org/
http://www.jayne-herbert.co.uk/wildlife_marine.php
http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/
http://www.virtualscylla.org/
http://www.marinephoto.co.uk/ (click on images)
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