Divers report Lundy is blooming

The waters around Lundy island have prospered since a fishing ban was introduced eight years ago.

That’s according to reports from visiting divers, who have witnessed the sea life flourish for themselves.

Lundy is a barely habited rocky isle about three miles in length, situated in the Bristol Channel off North Devon.

The ‘no take’ fishing ban was put in place eight years ago at the eastern end of the island. It was instigated after scientists discovered lobster pots were damaging the rare pink sea ferns, sponges and soft corals of the Lundy area.

Although lobster numbers improved slowly at first, the results of a 2008 study now show lobsters are seven times more abundant inside the protected zone than outside of it.

Last year the colourful waters around the entire island became a protected Marine Conservation ‘no take’ zone.

Lundy is popular with divers due to its seals, and there are multiple hardboats operating from nearby Woolacombe and Croyde.