The underwater world around Lundy Island off the north Devon coast has fascinated conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts for years.

Seventeen years ago, the island was given special protection when it became England's only marine nature reserve.

Yet despite the protection, some species - such as crawfish - are in serious trouble.

As a result, the first fishing "no take zone" in the country has been set up on the eastern side of the island - and the very early signs are that the fishing exclusion is working.

Fish on the seabed

The cause for such optimism is a new English Nature-commissioned survey by marine biologists, who have found signs that new corals are starting to grow.

The number of fish spotted has also delighted the survey team.

One of the team, Francis Bunker, said: "The thing that is immediately apparent here is the abundance of fish life.

"Also, the fish are so tame. They take very little notice of the divers - it's as though they're used to the divers and know they're not about to be speared or harassed or anything.

"I know it's only early days for this no take zone, but I think it's had an immediate effect."

English Nature believes it will be 10 to 15 years before the full impact of the fishing no take zone can be judged.

A red band fish pokes its head of out of its burrow

However, it's not all good news - the divers filmed lots of damaged seafans, and the number of Red Band fish has dwindled from 14,000 some 30 years ago, to just a handful.

One of the marine biologists, Tom Mercer, surveyed Gannet's Bay to assess the seafan population - and he was disappointed with what was discovered.

"We found areas of seafans where there is seaweed growing around them, and in that place something approaching 50% of seafans were fouled in some way," he said.

Marine experts believe global warming, pollution or dredging in the Bristol Channel could be to blame. Industry in South Wales may also be affecting the waters.

The rich wildife around Lundy provides food for a whole range of creatures - including basking sharks and dolphins. So it's vital the food chain is kept in place.

A friendly grey seal

The wildlife has traditionally thrived because of Lundy's unique position, which means warm waters from the Mediterranean mix with colder Atlantic currents to create the perfect conditions for life…and an abundance of food.

The divers managed to catch on film some of the creatures that love it here: scallop, starfish, compass jellyfish, pollack, and the beautiful, balletic, grey seal.

One of the amazing things about the seals was how friendly they were to the divers - one grey seal even had a little play with one of the divers' flippers!

For more than 30 years they have been free of the threat of culling - and today, they seem totally at ease with divers.

Marine biologist Christine Howson said it's great to get such a good view of the creatures.

"People think of British waters as being grey and murkey, with everything brown and grey under the water. But when you go under, the water is blue. Here, it's almost like diving in the tropics really."

The team has completed the survey work, and the findings will now be analysed.

In the meantime, monitoring of Lundy's waterworld will continue for the next six years, helping Lundy's protective ring to become stronger than ever.


Article first published on: 9th October 2003