Divers can now find out exactly what to expect when they dive HMS Scylla, off Plymouth. A new, fully illustrated web report describes how the wreck has developed as an artificial reef – and how divers can help record further changes.

Since she was scuttled last March, HMS Scylla has been carefully monitored. The ongoing programme was set up by the site’s manager, the National Marine Aquarium, in partnership with the Marine Biological Association and the Marine Conservation Society.

Now, the MBA’s Marine Life Information Network programme (MarLIN) has gone online with first- year observations of the frigate’s metamorphosis into a living reef. It notes 53 species recorded, and explains the sequence of colonisation by many of them.

Species include barnacles, tube worms, sea squirts, anemones, sponges, spiny starfish, spiny spider crabs, long-spined sea scorpions, mussels, urchins, common starfish, queen scallops, poor cod and corkwing wrasse.

Significant numbers of larger fish have not yet appeared. Neither have locally resident species such as ballan wrasse, congers, tompot blennies, lobsters and larger crabs. Areas of the ship still largely resisting colonisation altogether are the interior and the antifouled underside.

Divers can expect an ebb and flow of species, as balances are established and as the seasons change. For example, in late 2004 algae, barnacles, tube worms and mussels were reduced by common starfish and green urchins, and by natural conditions.

Yet by Spring this year, though the wreck still looked quite “grazed”, starfish and possibly urchins were on the decline and algae were returning, no doubt to be followed by other organisms.

Divers are invited to send in images of species recorded on the wreck, future or past. Be sure you have an accurate date for a shot, plus image quality allowing clear species identification.

To date, much help has been provided by divers of the British Sub-Aqua Club’s Plymouth Sound branch, and from members of the University of Plymouth Diving Centre.

The Scylla colonisation report, ‘Bloomin’ Scylla: marine life settling on ex-HMS Scylla over one year’, was prepared by Dr Keith Hiscock, MBA Executive Secretary and MarLIN Programme Director.

To access the report plus link to the downloadable ‘Settling on Scylla’ report form, click here Alternatively call the MBA on 01752 633333.

Related links
MBA
MCS
National Marine Aquarium
Wreck Tour: HMS Scylla

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