Springwatch June 2010

Last week as many of you will have seen on BBC2, Simon King and the Springwatch team came to Kimmeridge Bay. As well as filming underwater shots of a Corkwing Wrasse nest (detailed below), Cuttlefish, Dragonets and many other rockpool species were showcased on the programme.  A Spider Crab chased the cameraman and the Prawns certainly gave Simon King’s toes a good cleaning!

The whole team were very conscientious of their presence in the bay and the welfare of the animals which was to be commended. This broadcast has shown our beautiful Kimmeridge at its best and hopefully will make the public more aware of how important it is to protect our vulnerable coastlines.

And marine sightings?

One of the wardens discovered a nest which was featured on Springwatch and is believed to be the first Corkwing wrasse nest to be shown on primetime T.V. This species of wrasse can reach up to 25cm in length and is very common in Kimmeridge bay due to them preferring habitats with many algae covered rocks and an abundance of small crustaceans and molluscs. Recognisable by a dark spot in the middle of the tail stem and acomma shaped mark behind each eye.  Males are generally larger with brighter more flamboyant colouration (in particular breeding males) with brilliant blue or green mixed with claret whereas females are smaller and a paler brown/green colour. The male constructs the nest by ramming bits of selected seaweed together. A courtship display can be observed that attracts multiple egg-laying females (recognisable from blue egg laying papilla close to analfin) to the nest. After egg laying, the female will have no more parental involvement with the eggs and it is up to the male to protect and nurture them. What with Fathers day,  being this month the Corkwing wrasse should be recognised as the ideal Dad!

To see a short video of a Corkwing nest building, please join our Facebookgroup Support Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve.

Thanks

Emma Rance
Marine Officer