Reports of marine wildlife from all around the British Isles, with pollution incidents and conservation initiatives as they affect the flora and fauna of the NE Atlantic Ocean.
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Each month, at least one special marine image will be published from images sent to the BMLSS. This can be of the seashore, undersea world or any aspect of the marine natural world, especially the underwater life, but not restricted to life beneath the waves. Topical inclusions may be included instead of the most meritorious, and images will be limited to the NE Atlantic Ocean and adjoining seas, marine and seashore species and land and seascapes.
 
 

1 July 2003
Seeing five of these on one dive last weekend at St. Abbs reminded me how common these fish are in the North Sea despite just about every identification book saying they are restricted to western and southern coasts. They are probably overlooked because they are small (about 9 cm seems typical), restricted to rocky areas above 20 metres depth (at least from my observations) and have phenomenal camouflage ability. They are very difficult to see unless they move. On "normal" brown rock, they are brown and blend in perfectly. The picture (see above) shows one that had just moved off a rock that was spotted with encrusting purple algae giving some idea of what colours they are capable of adopting.
Where else does anybody see them?

Mystery Sea Anemone from La Vellette, Guernsey © Richard Lord 2003 (Guernsey) My identification is for a bright and unusually coloured Cereus pedunculatus, because this is the only small intertidal and shallow water sea anemone with the 200 tentacles of this specimen. Blue is unusual in British sea anemones but this colour is just possible this species, although I never seen any hint of the glorious blue colour before. The diameter of this anemone was 20 mm.

Click on the album for more links (On-line link)
 
 

In chronological order, the most recent events are at the top of the page. Events open to the public, free or for a nominal charge only are included. Most Seminars need to be booked in advance.
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2 - 3 August 2003

The Isle of Anglesey Maritime Festival is running on Saturday & Sunday (2nd & 3rd August), based around the Holyhead Maritime Museum (Beach Road, Holyhead - road that runs along the SW side of Holyhead Harbour, past the Coastguard building). 

Running from 10 - 4 pm both days, there will be a variety of marine-related stands (including a Countryside Council for Wales one!) and events going on, including the opportunity to book and go on a 'try dive'.
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A field meeting is planned for 28 August - 1 September 2003. A number of shores have recently been investigated and the following have been chosen (we will do one shore per day):- 

Boulmer  [55^o 25.0'N 01^o 34.4'W; NGR 46/2614]

This is a huge shore with extensive rock platforms and a sandy/muddy bay. There is a wide variety of life.

Newton-by-the-Sea [55^o 31.0'N 01^o 37.0'W; NGR 46/2425]

or Beadnell [55^o 37.4'N 01^o;33.2'W; NGR 46/2330]

Newton has rock platforms and a sandy bay while Beadnell is rocky with gullies and rock pools, with a sandy bay to the south. Newton also has the best pub for lunch! 

Lindisfarne [55^o 40.5'N 01^o;48.0'W; NGr 46/1342]

Cross the tidal causeway (by car) and there is a variety of shores including limestone rocks and a muddy/sandy bay. More walking required than for the others so we'll hope for a particularly good day. 

No parking problems but loos not very evident. 

Further south near Cresswell there are interesting brackish lagoons. 

We can also have a day on Dove Marine Laboratory's boat "Bernicia" for which Porcupine will underwrite some or all of the cost. However people going on this trip may be expected to pay a small charge (no more than £15). 

The tides are such that it would be most convenient to go on "Bernicia" on Thursday 28 August, although Monday 1 September is a possibility. 

It would be helpful if you could decide quickly whether you are coming on this excursion, because accommodation will have to be booked soon, as it is still the holiday period. Alnwick is a suitable base area. Details of accommodation can be provided from the Tourist Guide. 

For further information: 

Please contact the organiser: Shelagh Smith, Woodleigh, Townhead, Hayton, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 9JH: 

Tel: 01228 670676   email: shelagh@smithurd.demon.co.uk

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Marine Week Events 2003 (West Sussex)
 

Saturday 2nd through to Sunday 10th August 

Marine Week 
A celebration of the sea and marine wildlife. 

For further details of events in your area please visit 
www.southeastmarine.org.uk 
 

At various locations and organisations throughout Sussex

Saturday 2nd August 2003
7.30pm – 10.00pm
Musical Magic at the Mill
Adults £6.00 (members, concessions and children £3.00)
An evening of musical magic! A musical journey around the nature trail serenaded by people and wildlife with a splash of sea sounds and shanties.
Woods Mill, Henfield TQ 218138
Booking Essential.
Tel: 01273 497561 Sussex Wildlife Trust for booking and further details. 

Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August 2003
The second Sea Watch Foundation National Whale and Dolphin Watch Weekend will take place. All around the UK (and Ireland) dolphin and whale watch monitoring events will take place. This will provide a snapshot of whale and dolphin sightings over the weekend and help raise awareness of the 27 species that have been recorded in UK waters. Bottlenosed Dolphins have been monitored off Sussex since 1991, most occurring between April and September. 

As with last year, there will be one or more watch sites in Sussex. If you 
would like to take part, visit our website at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk (click events) to find the nearest watch site to you (or telephone 07773610036) and contact the organiser listed. 
 

Sunday 3rd August 2003
9.00 am
Mud Rescue
Small donation for breakfast.
Demonstration mud rescue by local Coastguards. Followed by continental breakfast. 
Chichester Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay.
Tel: 01243 512301 Chichester Harbour Conservancy for more details
 

Sunday 3rd August 2003
12 noon till 5.00pm
Marine Madness
Free – all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Lots of fun activities, storytelling, guided walks and plenty to do for all the family.
Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre, Selsey Road, Sidlesham
Tel: 01243 641508 West Sussex County Council for more details
 

Sunday 3rd August 2003
9.30am
Beach Beasties
Free – all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Join us on a beach safari and discover what lurks between the tides.
Booking essential.
Pagham Spit car park
Tel: 01243 756856 West Sussex County Council for more details
 

Monday 4th August 2003
2.30pm
Explore Chichester Harbour – for the mobility impaired and companions
Free 
Enjoy the splendid views of Chichester Harbour from the wheelchair path along the shoreline. 
Cobnor Path parking area, Cobnor Point, Chidham.
Tel: 01243 512301 Chichester Harbour Conservancy for more details
 

Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th August 2003
11.00am – 2.00pm
Sussex Wildlife Trust at Brighton Sea Life Centre
Standard entrance rates apply.
Meet the Trust for some super-seaside fun and activities amongst the marine life at the Sea Life Centre - Turtley awesome!
Brighton Sea Life Centre Brighton, Marine Parade, Brighton
Tel: 01273 497561 Sussex Wildlife Trust for details
 

Tuesday 5th August 2003
10am – 12 noon
Eco-friendly crabbing
Cost 50p + car parking.
Discover some fascinating rockpool creatures and learn how to catch crabs without harming them. All equipment provided. Wear old clothes/shoes for scrambling on wet rocks. Age 5 – 12.
Booking essential.
Climping Beach car park. Grid ref: TQ 006 008
Tel: 01903 737500 Nature Coast Project and Arun District Council for more details
 

Tues 5th August 2003
11.00am – 4.00pm
Sea School 
Explore the seashore, learn about the animals that live there and make your own model sea creature to take home.
Telephone 01424 812055 or fax 01424 813911 for a booking form or write
enclosing a SAE to RSPCA Mallydams Wood, Peter James Lane, Fairlight,
Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AH.
 

Tuesday 5th August 2003
Times to be confirmed
Marine Week Boat Trips
1½ hour boat trips in Chichester Harbour celebrating the specialness of local marine wildlife. Please phone for times and fares.
Chichester Harbour Water Tours, Harbour Office, West Itchenor
Tel: 01243 512301 Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Chichester Harbour Water Tours for times and fares.
 

Wednesday 6th August 2003
10.30am to 12.30
Seashore discovery walk
Free – all children to be accompanied by an adult. What lives beneath the waves – look for clues on the beach. Adults and children.
Booking essential
Climping Beach car park Grid ref: TQ 006 008
Tel: 01243 863141 Nature Coast Project and Arun District Council for details
 

Wednesday 6th August 2003
11.00am – 2.00pm
Sea legs 
Make felt finger puppets of sea creatures and the stuff they need
to survive, during this gluey, messy and fun day.
Telephone 01424 812055 or fax 01424 813911 for a booking form or write
enclosing a SAE to RSPCA Mallydams Wood, Peter James Lane, Fairlight,
Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AH.
 

Wednesday 6th August 2003
10.00am 
Sand Dune Detectives
Free (possible charge for parking)
Test your skills at Camber. We provide the clues, you find the answers - all aimed at raising awareness of our marine/coastal environment. Family teams can start any time between 10am and 12pm. Should take about an hour to complete the trail.
Please Pre-book if possible.
Meet at Camber Central Car park outside the Coastal Control Office 
Grid ref: TQ 965186
Public Transport: Buses to Camber.
Tel: 01797 226488 ESCC Rye Bay Countryside Office for more details
Sorry - No Dogs due to dog zones
 

Wednesday 6th August 2003
10.00am – 2.00pm
Rock Pooling – Family event at Seven Sisters
Adults £2.50 Children £1.00. members free
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Come along to Seven Sisters and enjoy rock pooling and shore activities. Meet at the Pump Barn at the rear of the Visitor Centre, Seven Sisters Country Park. Bring a packed lunch.
Booking Essential
Tel: 01273 497561 Sussex Wildlife Trust for booking and further details.

Thursday 7th August 2003
10.30am – 12.30pm
Fishy fun and Kelpy capers
Free – all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Lots of marine fun and games for ages 8 – 13. Booking essential.
Greensward by beach, junction of Aldsworth Ave & Marine Drive, Goring
Tel: 01243 863141 Nature Coast Project for more details

Thursday 7th August 2003
11.00am – 2.00pm
Dolphin Rescue
Learn how to recognise dolphins and porpoises; find out
more about how they live and the problems they face. We will act out a
dolphin rescue with a life-size dolphin.
Telephone 01424 812055 or fax 01424 813911 for a booking form or write
enclosing a SAE to RSPCA Mallydams Wood, Peter James Lane, Fairlight,
Hastings, East Sussex TN35 4AH.

Friday 8th August 2003
2.00pm
Marine Week Mud Hunt
Free – all children to be accompanied by an adult.
A series of mud-related activities, so be prepared to get muddy
Chichester Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay.
Tel: 01243 512301 Chichester Harbour Conservancy for details

Friday 8th August 2003
2.00pm
Beach Beasties
Free – all children to be accompanied by an adult.
Join us on a beach safari and discover what lurks between the tides.
Booking essential.
Pagham Spit car park
Tel: 01243 756856 West Sussex County Council for more details
 

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th August 2003
10.00am – 5.00pm 
Maritime Madness at Seven Sisters Country Park
This event weekend organised by South Downs Conservation Board and East Sussex County Council will feature displays in the Barns from a number of environmental organisations. There will also be a lively local band singing sea shanties and tales of ‘loves long lost to the waves’, a story teller regaling adults and children alike with magical and mysterious yarns about the Sussex coast, smuggling, shipwrecks and more. A face painter will be on hand to make up children’s (and grown ups!) faces with a ‘nautical’ theme. There will be a children’s fancy dress competition, rockpooling, and the enormous ‘Marine Conservation Society’ inflatable dolphins and whales – hurrah! There’s also badge-making, colouring/ drawing competitions and walks around the park, and the Visitor Centre will be open for business as usual!

Tel: 01323 870280 Seven Sisters Country Park for more details
 
 

 Many of these Marine Week Events are Supported by DEFRA's Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund

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Rockpool Ramble

31 August 2003
Cornwall Wildlife Trust's kids and family club is running a Rockpool Ramble on Sunday 31st August  in Penzance. Meet at the War Memorial by the Jubilee Pool at 2 pm, bring buckets and nets. If you want to join Fox Club and find out about these regular events contact Emma Wilson on 01872 240777 ext. 201. For just £5 per year Fox Club members receive their own membership card and badge, as well as the exclusive Fox Club magazine called Pawprint that includes seasonal fun and games to take part in. You can also write in to Freddy Fox with your letters, poems or pictures, and may be lucky enough to have your letter or artwork published in the Pawprint magazine!

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust also needs help from more volunteers who can make a commitment to attending and helping out at some of these events, which are usually on Saturdays and Sundays or school holidays. If you have spare time and the enthusiasm to become a Fox Club volunteer then contact Richard Marsh on 01872 245516.

Plymouth

Spring Talks Series 2003

No talks are listed.  Facilities are available for schools, linked to the national curriculum. 

All talks are on Tuesdays and start at 7:00 p.m.
at the National Marine Aquarium, Coxside, Plymouth Devon.
Admission – Adults £2.50; Children and NMA members £1.50, inclusive of refreshments will be available.

Please reserve your place by calling the Aquarium on 01752 275204
 

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Unless otherwise stated, seminars are held on Fridays at 4:15 pm
in the SAMS Conference Room ** Followed by the Friday R&R **

1 August 2003 
Iain MacKenzie (SNH). Sense and sensitivity: protecting Uist's waders from non-native hedgehogs. 

5 August (15.30) 2003
Shawn Robinson (Fisheries and Oceans Canada).
The integrated aquaculture AquaNet Project in the Bay of Fundy, Canada: the production dynamics of mussels as filter-feeders utilising enhanced seston fields within a salmon aquaculture site. 

15 August 2003
Toby Sherwin (SAMS). 
WTOW - water mass formation by a cascade process in the northern Rockall Trough. 

29 August 2003
Richard Shelmerdine (SAMS-UHI). 
Angels of the Shark’s Board. 

For more details on the forthcoming talks, please contact Murray Roberts (m.robertsl@dml.ac.uk) or Anuschka Miller (aham@dml.ac.uk) tel: 01631 559 000
 

28 August 2003
SAMS exhibition in the Heritage Centre at The Argyllshire Gathering in Oban. 

9 - 12 September 2003
Second International Symposium on Deep Sea Corals, 9 - 12 September, 2003, Erlangen, Germany. For further details: www.cool-corals.de 
Registration: cool-corals@pal.uni-erlangen.de
 

For more details on the forthcoming talks, please contact Murray Roberts (mailto:mr-t@dml.ac.uk) or tel: 01631 559 000
 

A series of monthly talks on marine conservation topics
These talks are open to the public, admission is free.

7 August 2003
Odessa and the Black Sea – Ken Collins

4 September 2003
Beachwatch – Gillian Bell, (Marine Conservation Society)

2 October 2003
ROV deep sea fish watching – Ian Hudson

6 November 2003
Turtles – John Houghton

4 December 2003
Sea Mounts – Kerry Howell

The Marine Life Talks are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm, please arrive at 7.15 pm to be met in Reception. Southampton Oceanography Centre is reached via Dock Gate 4 (between Town Quay and Ocean Village). 

SHRIMPING FOR FOOD AND FUN

Local shrimper Peter Talbot-Elsden, from Southwick (Sussex), has produced a small booklet called “Shrimping for Food and Fun” about catching the brown shrimp around the coasts of Britain. The shrimps are caught in nets and the book features the various methods, firstly the push-netting seen over the sand in shallow water in spring off the Sussex coast. The famous Morecambe Bay shrimps were originally captured by cart shanker shrimping with a horse and cart in deeper water off the Lancashire coast, later replaced by a tractor. At Formby, they experimented with amphibious vehicles after World War II. Nowadays, most commercial shrimping on the east coast around King’s Lynn trawls from small boats using a net off the stern. Shrimps are often cooked on board.

The 28 page book contains 40 photographs of shrimping through the ages. It is available through Bookworms of Shoreham and other booksellers and museums at £3.50. 
The booklet is also available through the British Marine Life Study Society, but at £4 including postage and packing. 

Assessing the sensitivity of seabed biotopes to human activities and natural events

MARLIN  (Marine Life Information Network)

+  MarLIN News
Issue 6 Spring 2003

Sealife Surveys: Identification Guide for Selected Underwater Species
 

MarLIN has published this new waterproof guide which is designed to support recording projects. The 45 species in the guide have been selected for their ease of recognition and their importance as species which play a key role in maintaining particular communities, are likely to be affected by global warming, or are non-native. The guide is produced in collaboration with the Seasearch programme, which is a nationwide diving survey of underwater habitats and species. Volunteers are taught about marine life, how to recognize what's important and how to make records under water.

You can obtain a copy of the guide for £3 including post and packing by sending a cheque to MarLIN, Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB. Cheques are to be made payable to ‘Marine Biological Association’. Copies are free to participants in organized surveys.

The Marine Life and Environmental Sciences Resource Centre

 
Marine Biological Association of the U.K. 

GREAT BRITISH MARINE ANIMALS	by Peter Naylor
published by Sound Diving Publications	ISBN  0 9522831 4 X
Available from

 
 

Published by the Conchological Society

The British Marine Life Study Society are responsible for producing the journal GLAUCUS, which is the first publication exploring the marine life of the seas surrounding the British Isles available to the general public. 

We also publish the quarterly SHOREWATCH Newsletter and 
the TORPEDO Electronic News Bulletin. 

The Glaucus 2002 CD-ROM was sent out to Premier BMLSS members in January 2003. 

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Change of EMail Address
 

Please note that the EMail address for messages to the British Marine Life Study Society has now changed

from bmlss@compuserve.com  to  Glaucus@hotmail.com

Messages to the first address will not receive any guarantee of a reply and from year 2003, the old EMail address is expected to fall into disuse. 

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Membership 2003

Current members will have their subscriptions waived for year 2003. An explanation was sent before Christmas. This is because of he computer breakdown and the failure of the full complement of paper publications. 
 

These pages are not designed for the default settings on the Page Set-ups of your browser. I recommend viewing in Microscope Internet Explorer 6 and altering the right and left hand columns in the Page Set-up menu to 9 mm (from 19 mm).
The page set-up can also be amended in Netscape Composer and other web page editors, and this has the advantage of enabling the specified number of pages to be printed and the information about the file (name, path, date) to be deleted.

Some of the images may not display if you have changed your directory for downloaded files. The images may also not display properly if your settings on your EMail software do not allow you do this automatically. When received in Pegasus the format is changed slightly, but the bulletin is still readable.