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Ireland stopped the commercial fishing of basking sharks in the 1980s. Since then, populations have rebounded spectacuarly and in recent years, huge aggregations of anywhere from 10 to several hundred individuals have been seen together. It is suspected these gatherings are related to breeding activity, but as of now, nobody knows for sure
To those not from Ireland, typically what may come to mind when thinking about this small European island nation are Guiness, rolling green hills, dozens of sheep, and Conor McGregor. However, Ireland also boasts a spectacular marine ecosystem, packed with everything from tiny tompot blennies to playful gray seals to the world’s largest aggregation of basking sharks.
Ireland underwater environments benefit from its geographical location: It is the first landmass that the Gulf Stream comes in contact with after it cuts across the Atlantic from the North American coastline. This means Irish waters are a bit warmer than its latitude would suggest and this is largely what drives the country’s diverse marine ecology.
While diving can be done all around the coast, it is the western side of the country that boasts the best diving. The dramatic coastline with its wild rocky shores and Gulf Stream influence lead to the clearest water around Ireland. June to September is generally the best diving season, but fortunately, there is quality diving to be found year round if you just know where to look. While it may not be at the top of every diver’s destination wishlist, Ireland’s temperate waters certainly deserve a visit—and you may be surprised at just how much there is to see.
A gray seal pup playing in a shallow kelp forest in Dublin Bay. Ireland is home to a healthy pinniped population
Rivaling the aesthetics of any tropical fish, the male cuckoo wrasse is the most colorful fish in Irish waters. This one was photographed off Inish Turk Island
The cold waters off Ireland’s northwest coast are typically the clearest in the country as strong oceanic currents come close to shore here
A diver swims peacefully with a school of basking sharks, the second largest fish in the world
Lion’s mane jellyfish are frequent visitors to Ireland’s coastal waters. These massive jellies often host entire ecosystems of fish and crustaceans that use their large bell and stinging tentacles for protection and food
While pipefish are typically thought of as warm water fish, there are quite a few temperate and cold-water varieties, and Ireland has a species as well. They are quite common in seagrass beds
A basking shark in full filter-feeding mode approaches the camera. Despite their enormous size, basking sharks are harmelss and feed exclusively on krill and plankton
Ireland’s seagrass beds are fantastic places to look for macro subjects like this small thornback ray
A classic Irish reef scene with dead man’s fingers, small anemones and starfish adorning a massive rock wall
Each summer, blue sharks, those beautiful ocean wanderers, arrive off the coasts of Ireland. A common dolphin was accompanying this shark
A curious gray seal flipped over to get a better look at the camera. The young gray seals are a blast to be in the water with as they are curious, playful, and interactive
A beautifully patterned compass jelly: This species is quite common in waters all around Ireland and the UK
While technically a species of spiny lobster, this crustacean is referred to in Ireland as a crayfish and is one of the country’s largest crustaceans
A gray seal pauses for a moment beneath a canopy of kelp in Dublin Bay
Dusty is a lone bottlenose dolphin that has taken up residence in County Clare for over 20 years now. The local celebrity seems to enjoy interacting with divers
An iconic UK macro subject, the tompot blenny: This one chose a beautiful spot to create its home—a bright yellow, cozy looking sponge
Hermit crabs having a neighborly dispute: Hermit crabs are cannibalistic and it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the larger individual is attempting to eat the smaller
Nothing goes to waste in the ocean and a discarded rope quickly became a haven for all sorts of colorful invertebrate life
Basking sharks may be enormous but that doesn’t mean they aren’t somewhat goofy and endearing in appearance! The small, forward set eyes, big nose, and enormous mouth make them look a bit cartoonish
Two Atlantic bobtail squid mate in the darkness near the Aran Islands off the Irish coast. These diminutive cephalopods are among the most sought after macro subjects in the country
A Norwegian lobster, a type of large prawn, trundles along a muddy slope. These crustaceans are a popular food item in Ireland
The ubiquitous moon jelly: While not the “sexiest” or most charismatic jellyfish to be found in Ireland, they can still make for a wonderful photographic subject
A gray seal showing off its pearly whites
A more well-behaved gray seal than the previous image, this one used the photographer’s shoulder to push itself up out of the water to have a look around
To see more of Nigel’s fantastic images from Ireland and elsewhere around the world, please give him a follow on Instagram.
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