Researchers at SAMS and the University of Plymouth have discovered that the UK’s seamounts, banks and ridges are teeming with exotic looking animals which seem as though they should be more at home on tropical reefs. Instead they are found at depths of more than 200 m below the sea surface on our doorstep.

For the past two years researchers have been studying previously unexplored fields of feather stars, sweeping expanses of sponges and coral-like meadows. The photographs were collected in 2005 and 2006 from two research expeditions to the North East Atlantic, where these seamounts, banks and ridges are situated. This is the first time that these stunning underwater images, collected from seamounts and banks in the UK's territorial waters have gone on public display.

Anyone wishing to view these amazing images should visit the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary, near Oban. Directions to the sanctuary can be found on their website Scottish Sealife Sanctuary

The work has been undertaken through the Strategic Environmental Assessment process funded by the Department of Trade and Industry. More information on this project can be found on the SEA7 website