Sustainable Shores is kicking off 2023 with a freezing trip to the ocean to record and showcase marine biodiversity!
As part of the Sustainable Shores project, I (Éabha) have been travelling around Ireland's freshwater and marine habitats to photograph critters for the Sustainable Shores: Ireland's Life Below Water book. I'm also trying to record as many species as possible for the National Biodiversity Data Centre, and to help highlight just how diverse our life below water is!
Today I visited one of my favourite seashore spots; the Pollock Holes in Kilkee, Co. Clare. Even though its early January and still absolutely freezing, I was excited to start the new year by exploring.
The day began with the long trek from Castletroy, Co. Limerick, followed by a famous Nolan's coffee swiftly after arrival. Upon consumption of caffine and second breakfast (again, from Nolan's deli) I donned my trusty drysuit and a wooly hat.
As the University of Limerick's Sub Aqua Club will gladly tell you, I have worn my woefully expensive custom scuba diving drysuit to sit in rockpools all day more times than I have actually dived in it.
Once geared up, I headed down to the Pollock Holes. These famous deep pools are home to a vast array of marine life, from colourful seaweeds and anemones to curious crabs and rare nudibranchs. With my camera in hand, I carefully examined each pool, documenting the different species I encountered.
One of the highlights of my visit was coming across a particularly feisty hermit crab (Pagarus bernhardus). I found him attacking a smaller hermit crab and I spent a considerable amount of time taking photographs and recording their behaviour. I always love watching these bombastic little crustaceans.
As I moved through the pools, I came across Two Spotted Gobies (Gobiusculus flavescens), a tiny Montagu's Blenny (Coryphoblennius galerita), a carpet of Daisy Anemones (Cereus pedunculatus) and some stunning colours of Jewel Anemones (Corynactis viridis). I also came across several patches of yellow Breadcrumb Sponge (Halichondria sp.) which is a slow growing sponge species often found on overhanding rocks.
Overall, the trip to Kilkee was a success. I was able to document a wide range of marine life and contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the marine biodiversity of the Irish coast. As we work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, it is essential that we continue to monitor and protect our coastal ecosystems.
Remember, I'm only a citizen scientist, just like you. Apart from a drysuit to stay warm and a new compact digital camera, I don't use any specialist equipment to record species. Using your phone to photograph species is more than sufficient, and don't worry about recording common species either. Every record counts!
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