A bull huss negotiates the weedy sea bed
UKDIVING
Porthdinllaen Seagrass meadow of slate cut ready for roofs . These days they act as ‘ roofs ’ for species such as conger eels Conger conger , lobsters Homarus gammarus , edible crabs Cancer pagurus and numerous other fish , including one of many divers ’ favourites , the tompot blenny , Parablennius gattorugine .
It ’ s not all deep diving along our coast ; there are a few small bays maxing out at 15m in depth . Some can be accessed by land , while other are strictly for those with access to a RIB or hard boat .
Not too far from the aforementioned slate wreck is the small fishing town of Porthdinllaen , nestled beneath the headland . This quiet bay , famous for its beach pub the Ty Coch , is also home to Wales ’ largest seagrass meadow . The meadow spans from the intertidal shore out into the wider bay , to a depth of around
12m . Seagrass meadows are important habitats , protecting against coastal erosion ; producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide .
They also serve as nurseries for important species such as cod and plaice . Diving a seagrass meadow is unlike other UK marine habitat , especially on good viz days , when the blue of the water perfectly offsets the bright green of the seagrass blades , as the sunrays move across the scene . It ’ s a uniquely serene habitat .
Spotting species among the seagrass blades can be challenging ; the key is to take your time and look very carefully . Critters such as the broad-nosed pipefish Syngnathus typhle , greater pipefish , Syngnathus acus and even the seldom seen Nilssons pipefish Syngnathus rostellatus are perfectly hidden in the habitat .
Watching the wildlife
Heading around the Peninsula to the South side there are plenty more dive sites to explore , including Ynys Enlli ( Bardsey Island ) and associated swnt Enlli . This locale has some of the most incredible dive sites , due to the powerful currents that flow through the narrow sound . Getting the conditions right and diving slack is essential when diving around Enlli , as the swirling currents can create downwelling and upwelling water movement . As you move out to the wider Irish Sea , depths extend beyond 50m . Around Ynys Enlli there are steep walls topped with dense kelp , home to some curious and playful seals .
At Bae Ceredigion ( Cardigan Bay ) you enter a very different location , generally lighter and shallower , with water temperatures often slightly warmer . It is
Blue rayed limpets on kelp Small-spotted cat shark head detail
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