Hidden below the surface of the temperate Cornish seas is an amazing array of colourful marine life, whose diversity challenges that of a tropical reef. Indeed, many of our species are closely related to those in warm waters, for the Gulf Stream divides around the peninsula, bringing warmer, clearer waters that propagate a diversity of marine life not generally found elsewhere around the UK's coastline. A multitude of invertebrate species, including anemones, soft and stony corals, and even sea fans more common on coral reefs, paint the rocks with carptes of colour, and fish life is profuse, with shoals of bass and mackerel, wrasse, flatfish, blennies, scorpion fish, tope, sharks, and visitors from warmer, Southern waters. In summer we see trigger fish, sun fish, basking sharks, and even leatherback turtles.
In Beneath Cornish Seas, Mark Webster's stunning underwater photographs give an insight into the life in our rock pools, and below the waves. It will appeal to snorkellers, divers, underwater photographers and people with a passion for marine life and natural history, as well as anyone who is simply curious to know about life beneath the sea.
Mark Webster developed his interest in underwater photography while working in the commercial diving industry. It quickly became a passion, and he was soon scoring highly in competitive photography. He has represented the UK four times at the CMAS World Championships of Underwater Photography (Sicily 1990, South Korea 1994, Minorca 1996, Norway 1998), achieving Silver and Bronze medals. He was Highly Commended in the BBC/British Gas Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, and had winning shots in the 2000 and 2002 Agfa Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Blue Earth 2000, Geographical Magazine Photographer of the Year 2000, Ocean Realm Magazine Marine Photo 2000, Diver Magazine Image 2001 and 2003, and Subios 2004. His publications include The Art and Technique of Underwater Photography, Diving and Snorkeling Belize, and Passions - Scuba Diving.
`the most unbelievable book' (BBC Radio Cornwall, 22.01.09)