Rare fish sighting

There has been a sighting of a nationally rare fish in Poole Bay.  Local diver Suzanne Munnelly was on a Seasearch wildlife survey in September with Dorset Wildlife Trust when she photographed the unusual fish lurking in the sand next to a small reef.  On closer examination on dry land, the photo showed that this was in fact a rare Couch’s goby (Gobius couchi), listed as a protected species. 

Kathryn Dawson, Dorset Wildlife Trust Seasearch co-ordinator, said: “Shoals of bib and sometimes pollack can be found on these reefs, making them quite popular with anglers.  It is usual to find black gobies either in the reef in nooks and crannies or on the sea floor, but it is very exciting to see a Couch’s goby.  This is a great way to end to this season’s survey dives.”

Marine biologist and regular Seasearch volunteer, Lin Baldock, confirmed the identification, only the fifth in Dorset since 2005.  The species has only been recorded in a handful of places around Britain, including south Cornwall, north-west Ireland and in very sheltered areas in the south of Ireland.  It is a relatively small fish, growing up to 9cm long and feeding on algae, small worms and crustaceans.  Due to its rarity it is classified as fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

The Dorset Seasearch dives are part of a national initiative to involve divers in wildlife surveying.   Dorset Wildlife Trust co-ordinates Seasearch in Dorset and arranges regular dives during the season.  DWT’s Kathryn Dawson added: “Seasearchers in Dorset will be on the look-out for more ‘odd’ looking gobies in the future, to see if this is a species that is doing well locally.  It may well be under recorded due to the difficulty in positively identifying it. For now though, it’s a good indicator of the biodiversity in Poole Bay and more evidence of Dorset’s importance for marine wildlife.”

This sighting follows July’s proposal from Natural England that the Ringstead Bay to Studland Reefs area should be a European protected site within a Poole Bay to Lyme Bay Special Area of Conservation.

Divers interested in helping with surveys can find out more at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or ring Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.