The Diver’s Guide to Marine Life of Britain and Ireland

The cool temperate waters around Britain and Ireland are at a crossroads between warmer waters to the south and Arctic ones to the north. Consequently they contain a huge variety of marine animals and plants which differ significantly from place to place around the islands and shores.This guide aims to introduce divers and snorkellers to the most common and identifiable animals and plants they will encounter underwater, both widely distributed species and some of the specialities of different areas.Completely revised and expanded this Second Edition covers almost 300 individual species and groups of species seen underwater, from tiny fragile sea spiders to the massive plankton -feeding Basking Shark.265 individual species descriptions, each with information on habitat, size, depth range and distribution in easy to use icon formatText emphasising the key features for identification of each species and possible confusionsUnderwater photographs showing each species as the diver or snorkeller would see itA unique `confidence guide’ to identify which species are easily recognised and which are likely to require confirmationOver 30 additional groups of plants and animals that cannot be identified individually underwater, but can be important features of the living communityInformation on marine habitats, conservation status and non-native species in British and Irish waters