June 2023
By June Coomber
Cleveland Divers annual spring trip to the west coast of Scotland once again did not disappoint with 4 days of sunshine, blue skies and summertime temperatures.
For over a decade, club members have been drawn time and time again to make the six -hour car journey to dive the Scottish sea lochs and seek out and enjoy familiar and unfamiliar encounters with the marine creatures that inhabit their waters.
Beginning with a diving favourite, the 5th Lay- By, also known as’ Queenie Reef.’ Usually, an easy site with easy access to the loch was, on this occasion, not quite so easy with tides much higher than usual, but as ever, by no means a deterrent for our intrepid divers. Passing along the reef wall the diver is soon greeted by queenie scallops skipping; hopping and dancing as they frolic before them. With over 200 tiny, shiny, blue eyes bordering their shell it’s no wonder they spot the diver coming before the diver knows they are even there. This particular queenie scallop, however, appears to have picked up some sea squirt hitchhikers to share the ride. (Photo 2)
Seeking new sites and new experiences this year, our bold group of divers explored a previously unknown local site ‘Caolasnacon,’ located in the majestic mountains of Glen Coe, North of Argyll. After a short swim and a right turn at about 6 meters they soon arrived at a jagged rock face, the legacy of ancient volcanic events, with an abundance of large boulders, nooks and crannies being home to the more bashful marine life. Also, with depths in excess of 30m there was plenty of scope and challenge for the more experienced diver to enjoy.
Other sites yielded some unfamiliar and interesting marine life such as this cylindrical sponge. (photo 3) Sponges are animals and come in all shapes, sizes and colours and although a simple sessile organism they play an extremely important role as a sea’s filtering system. Comprised of many cells each performs a specific role. As the water flows in through its numerous pores, it is sifted for water borne bacteria to feed whilst it quite ingeniously applies unwanted particles to its flexible stalk and branches, to grow a larger structure, before expelling the filtered water out of the larger central cavities. Seeking out new or even familiar experiences with marine life is all about being in the right place at the right time as our photographer of this exquisite peacock worm would testify. (photo 1) Notoriously shy and extremely sensitive to water movement shots like these are rare. Another filter feeder this delicate enigmatic creature uses it flower-like tentacles to feed on micro bacteria, discard large particles and use intermediate sized particles, (mixed with mucus,) to enhance its tube-like home.
Finds like these are what keeps divers exploring, searching, and pursing opportunities, despite the weather, to discover the familiar and unfamiliar, as the factors involved in diving mean that no two dives are ever the same.
