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Scuba Diving in the Scilly Isles, England
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Dive Site: Trenemene Reef
Location: Western Rocks, Scilly Isles (49°52'10"N 06°23'10"W)
Description: Wall dive
Depth: 0 - 40 metres + (0 - 130 feet)
Visibility: 10 metres (30 feet)
Rating: ****
Located east of the Western Rocks at the end of a rock island group Gorregan, granite outcrops sit vertically to 6-10m above the surface, and on their southern side is Trenemene Reef. The rock continues pretty much vertically below the waterline, enabling the boat to drop divers very close in. Divers still have to swim to the rock before descending otherwise they'll miss the reef completely!
Seals keep a wary eye out as divers descend. If timed correctly, a small shelf is to be found at 15m, before dropping away to depths of over 40m. A silver flash and behold a seal has come down to investigate what all the fuss is about, before rocketing up again. The granite drops sheer and following it to around 38m reveals a series of boulders extending out a short way before becoming deeper. The deep green hue of the water, especially if overcast, darkens the underwater landscape. Diving on air means short and deep bottom times, and preference is now on ascending the slope where outcrops of red dead man's fingers occur in large numbers.
At 20m swimming with the rocks on the right, vertical walls undulate with deeply cut fissures, where many anemones, sponges and coldwater soft corals are located. Amongst are different varieties of nudibranchs, which are tough to spot because they and their surroundings are just as colourful! It is possible to get to the end of the rock and turn the corner, heading west, north, and then east, but there could be much tide that should be taken into account. The best course is when current is felt to turn around and start to ascend staying close to the rocks, preferably jumping into the many fissures where colourful patches of sagartia anemones seek to dazzle amongst small colonies of delicate lilac coloured breadcrumb sponges. The kelp line is once again found at around 15m testimony to the outstanding visibility of this area.
Once the SMB is launched swim out away from the swell of the rocks, and looking into the water column may reveal the presence of jellyfish, or at certain times of the year pelagic hydroids.
Tony Gilbert
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