science
UK Student Iestyn Morgan Freedives at Night to Document Marine Life off Wales Coast
Iestyn Morgan, a 21-year-old geography student from Pembrokeshire, Wales, uses freediving to film nocturnal marine species off the UK coast and shares the videos on TikTok. He encounters species such as squid, garfish, cuttlefish, stingrays, and cat sharks during night dives.
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During Night Dives A student reports that marine animals appear more active and closer at night.
In one instance, a group of squid was drawn to torch light, circling for about a minute. Such diversity exists locally without needing to travel abroad. Dives always occur with a companion and stay close to shore to mitigate risks.
During a summer dive, small venomous jellyfish were encountered in high density, obscuring visibility and requiring exit from the water.
waters have been reported in parts of the UK. Frequent sightings of squid during night dives suggest an impact from warmer waters. The jellyfish presence is a sign of changing conditions. Concern was expressed that such environmental shifts affect everyone and warrant more discussion.
Plastic pollution appears in every dive location, with litter visible on beaches. Collective action and awareness could lead to greater protection efforts. The footage aims to showcase the variety of marine life off the UK coast.
Viewers engage most with night videos, which reveal species behaviors not commonly observed. Ongoing dives provide opportunities to document further changes in local ecosystems.
