A new website has been launched with high quality audio visual images, to allow users to ‘dive-in’ and explore Poole Rocks Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and discover its wondrous and colourful marine life.
There are over 360 wildlife species recorded in Poole Rocks MCZ, just east of the entrance to Poole Harbour. It is home to the rare Couch’s goby and Baillon’s wrasse, the threatened native oyster and during the spring the seafloor becomes a frenzy of spawning black seabream. Nearby, solitary pink sea fans represent the easternmost extent of the coral in the south coast.
Iron-rich sandstone reefs extending 5m high attract densely covered animal communities of sponges, corals, sea squirts, sea mosses and red alga surrounded by spectacular shoals of pouting and pollack.
The website has been created through the partnership of Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), Southern IFCA, New Economics Foundation, Seasearch, Marine Conservation Society and Seven Tenths Ecology Ltd.
Emma Rance Marine Conservation Officer, says “The sights of the Poole Rocks MCZ must be seen to be believed and this new website means you don’t just have to be a diver to experience it. Poole Rocks is a magical kingdom which lies unseen and largely unappreciated beneath the waves of Poole Bay. Now, thanks to stunning and exquisite underwater photography and filming, we are able to bring these fascinating sights of Dorset marine life to your screen.”
Enjoy the beautiful diversity of Poole Rocks MCZ at www.poolerocksmcz.uk
To find out more and show your support of Dorset MCZs, sign up to become a Friend of MCZs www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/mpas.html
