Extremely exciting sighting in Reserve - a crayfish!

Yesterday a crayfish (Palinurus elephas), or European spiny lobster as it is now known, was spotted in a crack in a reef at Thrummie Carr to the north end of the Marine Reserve.

It was found by regular visitor to the Reserve, Fiona Greenfield, who realised the importance of her find and so called over underwater photorapher, Jack Laws, to get this and other shots for proof.

Crayfish are not common these days anywhere is Britain, but they usually have a westerly distribution in Scotland, with some records in Orkney & Shetland and only ocassional records in the North Sea.

Jack, who has been diving St Abbs for 50 plus years has never seen one here before. And on talking to the local fishermen, they can only remember one or two incidents over about the same period when this creature has been brought up in a trawl.

It just goes to show, you never know what you might come accross so keep your eyes peeled and your mind open. Also, remember to let me know what you see, either via a Diver Survey Form or just by dropping me an e-mail. And take a photo if you can!