Marine Life
The waters here in Berwickshire are known for their rich biodiversity, They are home to a remarkable range of marine life not found anywhere else in the UK.
Warm water currents entering the North Sea over the northern tip of Scotland and cold water currents entering from the Arctic creates a unique environment, allowing a host of magnificent plants and animals to thrive.
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The gallery below highlights some of the marine life and habitats you might see on your shallow and scenic dives while exploring the Berwickshire Marine Reserve, and also on some of the deeper wrecks too!
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You can also see and find out more about the Marine Life you might see using guides such as this practical and fascinating guidebook Marine Life of the North Sea and English Channel, by Lawson Wood, who also provided us with some of these beautiful images.
Berwickshire Marine Reserve
Located between the historic fishing towns of Eyemouth and St Abbs, the Berwickshire Marine Reserve (external website link) was established by the local community to protect the habitats and species found here and to ensure that all users are responsible in their activities.
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The Berwickshire Marine Reserve (BMR) is a registered charity and is Scotland’s only voluntary Marine Reserve. The charity has three main aims to ensure the coastal waters are protected and remain so for years to come. They are to:
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​Conserve the biodiversity of the coastal waters
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Raise awareness of the marine environment through education and research
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Promote responsible recreational use alongside a sustainable fishery to the mutual benefit of all​​
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The coastal waters of Berwickshire are home to a remarkable and truly unique mix of marine life not found elsewhere in the UK. Grey Seals, Bottlenose Dolphins and Minke Whales can all be seen here, and below the waters, magnificent kelp forests are home to vibrant and charismatic marine creatures such as Sea Slugs and territorial fish.