Volunteer divers have again been contributing to marine conservation projects in the Skomer 
Marine Nature Reserve. 

An impressive 48 divers took part in weekend projects during June and July to survey territorial fish that live near the shore within the Skomer MNR. An underwater clean-up of seabed was also attempted to remove discarded fishing equipment that can threaten wildlife.

Nine species of fish were surveyed including five wrasse species. They included tompot blenny, 
which is an inquisitive, somewhat comical fish with thick lips and big eyes set at the top of the head, and has the habit of propping itself up on the front fins to get a better look. The leopard spotted goby has conspicuous blotches all over the head and body and the butterfish is a long eel-like fish, which is very slippery to the touch, hence its common name. And the scorpion fish is a stout creature with a broad head armed with sharp spines and is extremely well camouflaged. These species establish clearly defined territories and some of the wrasse and gobies even make nests and tend their eggs.

The latest results build on previous data collected in 2001 to help understand what is happening to various populations. Two areas of seabed were chosen – one along the coast of the Marloes Peninsula, which is popular with shore anglers and the other along the north coast of Skomer, which is fished very little.

The team managed to cover an impressive 10,440 square metres of seabed and record 1257 fish. The MNR team will analyse the results, looking at numbers and species of fish recorded in different habitats and compare sites. 

The divers were saddened to see lots of angling line and weights strewn across the seabed and 
entangled with marine wildlife at sites along the Marloes Peninsula. 

Kate Lock CCW Assistant Marine Conservation Officer at the Reserve said: These sites are very popular with anglers and unfortunately a high quantity of tackle is lost when it snags rocks and seaweed."

A new group named ‘Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Collectors’ made up of local divers recently 
completed a day of clearing angling debris from the seabed at one of the sites.


The Army of Volunteers

Group Leader Dave Kennard said: "The quantities of rubbish and the damage it is doing to marine wildlife is staggering. The rubbish we cleared is just a token start and it will need a huge effort to attempt to clear it all. There is clearly an opportunity for anglers to help reduce the loss of gear by using the right sort of fishing tackle". 

Advice on what fishing gear can be used to reduce gear loss is available at local tackle shops. 

Kate Lock added that the Skomer MNR team are very grateful to all the volunteers that have 
been involved: "Our volunteer teams are made up of enthusiastic divers from all over the country combined with a core of local divers, some of which have helped us for many years. What they all have in common is the desire to contribute to a better understanding of the marine environment and marine conservation".

If anyone would like to get involved in volunteer diving projects they can join Seasearch diving, 
which has further courses, and events planned this year. Contact Kate Lock: kate@starfish-
enterprise.com. 

Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Collectors (NARC) is also organising further underwater litter picks, for information contact Dave Kennard 01437 768260

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