Surprising number of Sea slugs off Wales

Sea-slugs offer colourful insight into Wales' underwater world

February 2011: Although slugs are not considered to be the most exotic of creatures, their cousins the sea slugs are a completely different prospect.

HIDDEN BEAUTY: One of the many stunning sea slugs off the Welsh coast.

A recent report by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) about sea slugs at Skomer Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) has revealed that sea slugs are flourishing - with a huge variety of these attractive, striking species being recorded. In one area of just 13.2 sq km, 66 per cent of UK species were represented.

'These are specialised predators'
CCW Assistant Marine Nature Reserve Officer Kate Lock said: ‘Sea slugs are specialised predators, each having their own particular food choice, which can be either plants or other animals.

'The high number of sea slug species means that there must also be all the different foods present too. This is a great indication that the health of the Marine Reserve is really good and that the conservation of this part of the sea is proving a huge success for wildlife.'

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PRETTY IN PINK: The flourishing sea slug population means the health of the marine reserve is good

During the 2010 survey, a wide range of habitats, in all conditions, were searched to find the sea slugs. Some can be hard to find as they are both very small and well camouflaged, and quite often the only clue to their presence is their eggs or prey species. 

‘We were particularly delighted to find some of the UK's rarest sea slugs,' added Kate.

Skomer MNR's exhibition at Martin's Haven gives visitors to study the beauty of the underwater world and find out more about techniques used to survey and monitor marine wildlife.