Fish fireworks and psychedelic crabs: UK’s hidden sea creatures, revealed in 14 stunning photos

The Marine Conservation Society has released a selection of incredible ocean photography to mark World Wildlife Day on 3 March 2023. The collection celebrates the best of marine life in the waters around the United Kingdom.

Seasoned underwater photographers have captured amazing scenes of UK wildlife to inspire others to get involved in conservation. While the images below show the colourful and curious world under the surface of the UK’s seas, these fragile ecosystems are in urgent need of protection and restoration.

For divers and snorkellers, the Marine Conservation Society’s Seasearch programme is a great way of giving back and exploring the UK’s waters. Seasearch volunteers conduct underwater surveys, providing an insight into the state of the UK’s seas.

The Marine Conservation Society campaigns for clean seas and beaches, sustainable fisheries, and protection of marine life. Through education, community involvement and collaboration, the charity raises awareness of the many threats that face our seas and promotes individual, industry and government action to protect the marine environment.

Edible crab, Berwickshire Marine Reserve

Bobtail squid, Loch Long

Firework anemone, Inveraray

Compass jellyfish, Cornwall

Wolf fish, Berwickshire Marine Reserve

Common sunstar, Shetland Islands

John Dory, Dorset

Variable blenny, Devon

Painted top shell, Shetland Islands

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Basking shark, Isle of Coll

Curled octopus, Shetland Islands

Hermit crab, Shetland Islands

Angler fish, Chesil Cove

Slender sea slug, Shetland Islands