The #Arran Marine Protected Area has brilliant snorkelling spots in just 2-3m of water. #Seagrass and juvenile fish.

The Leopard-spot goby (Thorogobius ephippiatus) is a small, cryptic fish species often seen by divers in the South Arran MPA. It belongs to the Gobiidae family, a diverse group of bottom-dwelling fish. This species is known for its striking pattern of dark spots on a pale body, #Biodiversity #Marine

We love our Kelp on the Isle of Arran, it thrives in dense underwater forests around our coast. Kelp ecosystems rank among the most productive on Earth, providing vital habitat for Arrans recovering marine life. #Oceanoptimism #Inshorelimit

One of our favourite marine animals & always great to spot while diving.
The Curled Octopus is an active predator, feeding mainly on crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates as well as fish.
Brilliant at camouflage by changing both its colour and skin texture

Pholis gunnellus, found in UK shallow coastal waters Butterfish prefers hiding in crevices or burrowing into the seabed. It's an adaptable and resilient species, capable of surviving in intertidal zones where it can be exposed to fluctuating temperatures and salinity levels. #MPAsWork

Feather stars or Crinoids have been around for over 500 million years, making them one of the oldest surviving marine animal groups. Fossil records show their ancestors once dominated prehistoric seas. Today, they continue to thrive in the South Arran Marine Protected Area.
@naturescot.bsky.social

More information on Lamlash Bay NTZ & Arran MPAs King Scallops, a summary of research since 2010. You can clearly see why compliance of regulations to stop any fishing activity is so important for the ongoing research. @mairigougeon.bsky.social

The South Arran Marine Protected Area contains tide-swept rock reefs that attract sessile species such as Soft Corals, Anemones Hydroids etc This makes great habitats for a variety of fish such as Ballen Wrasse. @naturescot.bsky.social

King Scallops Pecten, maximus numbers increased by 353% between 2010 & 2022 in the Lamlash No Take Zone.
The recovering complexity of the seabed now gives ideal habitat to Juvenile Cod, Gadus morhua

Respected by both Divers and Fishermen for their feisty and nippy disposition, the Velvet Crab, is aptly known in some parts as the"Devil Crab" due to its red eyes. It has no problem dealing with either a huge jellyfish or a human putting fingers too close.
Velvet swimming Crab, Necora puber

Sea Slugs, Nudibranchs that swim ! The Lamlash No Take Zone established in 2008 has allowed this small area to recover. For 2 decades COAST has been using Seasearch and working with our academic partners to monitor any changes. www.arrancoast.com/research/