Seasoned UK photographer Keith Lyall finally visits the Isles of Scilly to join the world ’ s oldest seagrass survey and sample the fabled diving
Survey navigation in progress
UKDIVING
Seagrass under the sun
Seasoned UK photographer Keith Lyall finally visits the Isles of Scilly to join the world ’ s oldest seagrass survey and sample the fabled diving
With 24 years diving both in the UK and abroad , the Isles of Scilly was a much neglected dive destination on my bucket list . Located 25 miles southwest of Land ’ s End , the Isles of Scilly comprise five main islands ( St Mary ’ s , St Martin ’ s , Tresco , St Agnes , and Bryher ). There is currently only a single dive charter business , Isles of Scilly Dive Charters , operating there , based on St Martin ’ s . It gets rebooked year on year by regulars , a reflection of the fantastic diving available . So I jumped at the surprise opportunity to join the 2024 annual seagrass survey to experience Isles of Scilly diving for myself . Would it live up to expectations ?
Why seagrass ?
Seagrasses are flowering plants and just as with coral reefs they are full of life . The habitat itself is important because it supports large densities of invertebrates , provides habitat for threatened and protected species ( including stalked jellyfish ), nursery-grounds for commercially
Sunset at St Mary ’ s
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