Slipway entry point on Loch Ewe
Dahlia anemones , Urticina feline
Pier review
A gradually sloping slipway is present and appears to be still maintained . This can be your easy starting entry point and a cooling spot for a buddy check , but beware the slippery surface . Next , I recommend making a surface snorkel out to the part of the pier nearest to shore to start the dive . Use of a dSMB on the outward swim is recommended to enhance your visible presence at the surface . When it ’ s time to dive , I recommend you stow your buoy as pier legs and buoy lines don ’ t really mix . With compass set for the return to shore later , descend and begin your dive .
Visibility and general sea state are of course very variable , but if you have been fortunate on your day , expect 8 to 12 metres of clear water , quite possibly more . Being a shallow dive , there is time to explore at your own pace . You will have no more than six metres of depth – so you have the luxury of plentiful marine life and the luxury of time in which to experience it . One of the little advantages of this pier over others is the absence of lost fishing line and other angling detritus . There being no access from the shore , it ’ s obviously not a fisherman ’ s haunt .
Along the legs of the pier you will find the corals and anemones associated with high water movement , such as dead man ’ s fingers Alcyonium digitatum and dahlia anemones , Urticina feline . It ’ s worth investigating between the pier legs and around the structure , which provides a foothold for life . Should you fancy a change of scene , the sandy areas outside of the footprint of the pier hold interesting life too . Also , have a glance out ‘ into the cyan ’ – you may see shoals of sand eels , sprat , maybe a compass jellyfish pulsing by .
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Elegant sea anemone , Cylista elegans