Fair Isle Marine Environment & Tourism Initiative

MARINE FAUNA

In recent years there have been some marked changes in distribution of plant and animal species, terrestrial and marine, in the UK and a trend of movement northwards by 'warmth adapted' biota is now a recognised feature. Fair Isle is geographically ideally situated to monitor any changes in climate and species distribution.

New invertebrates for the Fair Isle list are an annual occurrence. This does not mean that they are all new arrivals, however, some recent additions are species which had probably been overlooked in the past.

The following is a selection of marine fauna which have been found by island residents whilst rock-pooling along accessible coast and shore areas of Fair Isle.

See FIMETI's annual Newsletter 'Making Waves' for latest species news and updates.

Small Cushion Star

Asterina phylactica.
In 2013, Fair Isle children were heavily involved in monitoring the population growth of one special marine invertebrate, the small cushion star Asterina phylactica. The star is becoming well and truly established here at its northernmost World site following first arrival in 2009. Whereas in 2012 a small population was restricted to a single enclave within Smirri Geo, numbers have grown; individuals and groups are now distributed throughout the zone.

Mauve Stinger

Pelagia noctiluca.
Another recent marine event was Fair Isle's first recorded large scale influx of the mauve stinger in autumn 2010. This is no longer a unique event as there were two invasions in 2012, large numbers being noted in North Haven and on its beach in late September and in early November. Increased abundance and concentrations of jellyfish in UK waters in recent years have been attributed to changes in ocean currents and imbalances in the food chain.

Montagu's Sea Snail and the molllusc Lamellaria perspicua

Live Cowrie Shell

Sea Scorpion

Sea Spider

Small Cushion Star, Limpet and Hermit Crab

Sea Hare

Aplysia punctata

Montagu's Sea Snail & worm parasite

Shanny Blenny

Liophrys pholis

Spiny Starfish

Skate Egg Sack

Skate egg sack, otherwise known as a mermaid's purse.

Underwater Kelp

Small Cushion Star, Asterina phylactica

The rare Small Cushion Star Asterina phylactica was previously known only as far north as the Inner Hebrides, so the discovery of one near South Light by Henry Hyndman in April 2009 was a significant extension northwards. In 2014 a small colony of Small Cushion Stars was found in the same place at Smirri Geo.

Asteria rubens

Alcyonium digitatum

News Headlines

'Sea Area Fair Isle' Booklet Now Available for Purchase Launch of The Fair Isle Marine Research Organisation (FIMRO) New Website FIMETI AND FIMRO JUST PUBLISHED.....

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