The cool temperate waters around Britain and Ireland are at a
cross-roads 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 format
● Text emphasising the key features for identification of each species
and possible confusions
● Underwater photographs showing each species as the diver or snorkeller
would see it
● A unique 'confidence guide' to identify which species are easily
recognised and which are likely to require confirmation
● Over 30 additional groups of plants and animals that cannot be
identified individually underwater, but can be important features of the
living community
● Information on marine habitats, conservation status and non-native
species in British and Irish waters
This guide complements the other titles in this series by providing an
introduction to a wide range of species, which can be followed up by
referring to the greater detail available in the specialist guides.
