Divers capture underwater Wales

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Underwater footage of the Bosherston lake, as captured by the project team

Two scuba divers have teamed up to capture images of Wales rarely if ever seen before.

Photographer Lisa Whitfeld and aquatic scientist Dr Ziggy Otto are visiting freshwater lakes and rivers to document the underwater world below.

The pair aim to produce a series of books depicting the plants, fish and invertebrates unseen from the surface.

So far their journey has taken them to Bosherston Lakes in Pembrokeshire and Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons.

But eventually they hope to have covered many of the lakes in Wales.

Dr Otto, a lecturer at the coastal zone and marine environment research unit at Pembrokeshire College said what they have found so far were underwater landscapes almost alien in appearance.

Since our first dive in Bosherston Lakes, a spell has been cast over us, and we still feel privileged that we are able to explore their underwater world Dr Ziggy Otto

"We want to show what life in these environments is really like," he said.

"These images include interesting freshwater life, such as aquatic plants, fish and invertebrates.

"The underwater vegetation provides for the most spectacular views, ranging from turf-like meadows, to dense, tall plants that penetrate or float on the surface.

"I have shown some of the clips to hardened sea divers and they were absolutely fascinated."

Miss Whitfeld said many Welsh lakes and rivers are sites of special scientific interest or special areas of conservation so are highly protected and only accessible with written consent.

She said as well as being able to share the digital images of life below the surface with people who otherwise never have the chance to see it for themselves, there were scientific benefits to the project.

"[At Bosherston Lakes] we have been able to locate the underwater springs that feed part of the lake, and we have come across alien, invasive plants that should not be there.

The divers are aiming to capture little photographed views of Wales

"There are further merits of a project of this kind for nature conservation purposes, as freshwater habitats will be impacted by climate change to varying degrees, and these photographic records will most certainly assist towards establishing reference conditions."

Miss Whitfeld is a qualified diving instructor while Dr Otto is currently completing his Professional Association of Diving Instructors qualifications.

The duo spent five days diving in lakes in south west Wales throughout the summer and plan on further expeditions next year.

Dr Otto said eventually they intend producing three books covering south, mid and north Wales.

Some of the images already captured are on show at Celtic Images, a gallery of photographs of Pembrokeshire owned by Ms Whitfeld.

The voluntary project has been supported by the Countryside Council for Wales and the National Trust.

"Since our first dive in Bosherston Lakes, a spell has been cast over us, and we still feel privileged that we are able to explore their underwater world, where indeed few have ever ventured before," added Dr Otto.