Sea Slug and the Turtle: 2009

Sunday, 20 December 2009

Pasajes, Basque Country/Spain

Dive #84

Time: 56 min

Depth: 18.6m

Weights: 14kg
Temp: 13 degrees C

Good visibility.

"Bit of a mess with the dive leader". Can't for the life of me remember what that was about!

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Dotted Sea Slug - Peltodoris atromaculata

The Dotted Sea Slug (Peltodoris atromaculata) is also known as the little Swiss Cow in Spanish (Vaquita suiza). It is a large Mediterranean sea slug that can grow up to 120 millimeters long. It is quite common in Mediterranean shallows where it reproduces among the lower shore in spring and summer.

It is easy to identify with its white body and dark brown spots. It has two head tentacles and branching gills in a ring on its back. Feeding on sponge, it accumulates natural chemical products and stores then in its digestive gland.

Monday, 19 October 2009

Elvis Impersonator Starfish

"Thank you very much, uh-huh."

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Spider Crab

Stunning Nudibranch

Octopus

Sunday, 26 July 2009

Oban to St Kilda, West Coast of Scotland

St Kilda: The Holy Grail of UK Diving

Dives #72-81

St Kilda is an extremely isolated archipelago located 40 miles West of Scotland's Outer Hebrides in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its dramatic topography of plunging cliffs and high sea stacs, abundance of wildlife (it is home to the world's largest colony of Northern Gannets) and incredibly tragic human history combine to create a place of almost mythical status.

Setting off from Oban on the 19th of July 2009 the Elizabeth G stopped off at the following dive sites:

Eigg
Port Napier - the Isle of Skye
Prince Charlie's Wall - the Isle of Skye
Waternish Point - the Isle of Skye
Mina Stac - St Kilda
Sarbstac Arch - St Kilda
Rob's Pillow - Hirta, St Kilda
Cul Cleite - Hirta, St Kilda
An Torc - Hirta, St Kilda
Rbha Bwengahel - Boreray, St Kilda
Penny Gown Quarry - Sound of Mull

Compilation of photos from my unforgettable trip to St Kilda.

Saturday, 25 July 2009

St Kilda, Stac Lee

St Kilda has the world's largest colony of Northern Gannet, with an estimated 60,000 breeding pairs on Boreray, Stac an Armin and Stac Lee. An estimated six thousand pairs nest on Stac Lee, their droppings turning the island white.

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

St Kilda - Ian Fisher, wildlife photographer

Amongst the diving group was one non-diver who came along because of his passion for wildlife photography. Ian was a welcome addition on our dive trip and took many fantastic pictures. He kindly gave me permission to post his pictures on my blog. The pictures here were all taken by Ian (except the last! ;).

Village Bay

View to Dùn from Ruaival

Dolphins

Minkie Whale

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the Minkie Whale myself as we were all diving. Luckily Ian was off exploring the island and managed to get these great pictures. Maybe next time ...