Rare species discovered under water
A brainless and faceless fish was one of 15 rare species discovered
during a series of marine surveys this year.
The prehistoric Amphioxus, described by the Scottish Government as
"elusive", was found in waters off Tankerness in Orkney.
The fish has a nerve cord down its back and is said to be regarded as
a representative of the first animals to evolve a backbone.
Giant mussels with shells measuring up to 48cm (18in), were also
discovered around the Small Isles and are said to have the largest sea
shells in Scotland.
More than 100 specimens of the Fan Mussels were found around the
islands, meaning the area has the largest aggregation of the fish in UK
waters.
The mussels are said to have golden threads similar to human hair,
which are so fine they are able to attach to a single grain of sand.
In Caithness, the country's largest Horse Mussel bed was found in
waters near Noss Head.
The species, known as "Clabbydhhu" in Gaelic, which translates as
"enormous black mouth", are slow-growing molluscs that can live for up
to 50 years.
They are said to stabilise mobile seabeds and provide a critical
ecosystem for other species.
Other rare finds from the marine surveys, which covered over 2,000
square miles, included Flame Shell beds in Loch Linnhe, Argyll, as well
as new communities of Northern Feather Star, a brightly coloured species
with 10 feather-like arms fanning out from a central disc, which were
revealed off the Sound of Canna.
The Scottish Government said the findings will further the country's
knowledge of the biodiversity of its seas.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "In an age where the
lands of the world have been mapped out and recorded, it's amazing how
many discoveries are waiting to be found under the waves.
"Spanning from the weird to the wonderful, discoveries this year have
included the bizarre Amphioxus and the beautiful yet elusive brightly
coloured Flame Shell.
"The waters around Scotland are rich in such fascinating biodiversity
and it's our responsibility to protect this fragile environment.
"That's why we have ramped up our marine survey work, with plans
being prepared for new surveys in 2012 to further our knowledge of what
lies beneath Scotland's seas."
Dr Dan Barlow, head of policy at WWF Scotland, said: "These surveys
highlight that Scotland's seas and coasts are home to a truly amazing
range of weird and wonderful wildlife.
"By providing vital information on what lies beneath the waves, these
surveys will help inform decisions on better ways to protect this
important resource now and long into the future.
"It is important that the Government builds on this survey work to
further our knowledge of the marine environment."
Susan Davies, director of policy and advice with Scottish Natural
Heritage, added: "Scotland's seas really are a fantastic asset. The
findings from these surveys will help us to manage them sustainably and
ensure future generations can also enjoy the benefits of a healthy and
diverse marine environment."
During the surveys, multi-beam scanners were used to create 3D images
of the seabed, allowing the first marine maps of many new areas to be
made.
WWF Scotland head of policy Dr Dan Barlow said: "These surveys
highlight that Scotland's seas and coasts are home to a truly amazing
range of weird and wonderful wildlife.
"By providing vital information on what lies beneath the waves, these
surveys will help inform decisions on better ways to protect this
important resource now and long into the future.
"From helping inform the appropriate deployment of marine renewables
to supporting the roll-out of a network of Marine Protected Areas, these
survey findings will prove invaluable in helping ensure the recovery of
Scotland's seas.
"It is important that the Government builds on this survey work to
further our knowledge of the marine environment."
PA
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