As soon as I turned the first pages of this book, Marine Fishes of Wales, I knew it would become a classic reference work for anglers, divers and anyone else with an interest in marine fish and their identification.

This quality soft back book was commissioned by the Marine Conservation Society with grant aid from the Countryside Council for Wales and is co-written by Dr Frances Dipper and Paul Kay.

Frances Dipper is an independent marine consultant, lecturer and author with over 30-years experience, and Paul Kay a scientific photographer for 25-years, and you can instantly see how their individual disciplines and knowledge have come together to create an exceptional work.

The book consists of some 256 pages broken initially in to chapters on how to best use the book, how to identify fish, observe fish and record them, where and how to see fish by habitat, photographing fish, with following chapters dealing with the distinct fish families in their scientific order.

There are also small sections on sea angling and commercial fishing.

Individual species are illustrated by a colour photograph with additional diagrams as required, with written descriptive information under headings including key identification features, similar species for comparison, behaviour, habitat, distribution, natural history and the likelihood of sightings with reference not just to Wales, but universally throughout the UK and Ireland as well.

It covers the typical species associated with our waters, but also the more unusual species that venture in to our seas from time to time including the tuna’s, wrasses, rare southern gobies and drums, with reference, where possible, as to where these rarities have been officially recorded.

The information for each species is excellent but based as I read it mainly on diver observation, and some more experienced sea anglers reading it might see the occasional “grey” area when it comes to habitat and behaviour info, but this is a small difference of opinion based on different observations noted by divers and anglers and this is not intended in any shape or form as a criticism.

All the photographs used throughout the book are exceptional and make identification of different species very clear and straightforward when used in conjunction with the written text.

We also like the informative appendix sections and the detailed index for easy reference.

CONCLUSION
As stated, an exceptional reference work which will appeal not just to anglers and divers, but also to youngsters and adults keen on rock pooling, and for schools and school children working on all manner of marine projects.

From an anglers viewpoint it covers all the common species, plus some not so common, that you’re ever likely to catch when fishing Welsh, UK and Irish waters and it will be an invaluable companion for newcomers to angling, and even for the more experienced sea angler who may catch a rare fish for UK waters.

What we also like is that is covers in good detail and clear photos the mini species such as gobies and blennies which will appeal greatly to the serious angler keen on species hunting.

WSF fully recommends this book as one of the best we’ve ever seen on fish ID relevant to home waters and feel it gives excellent value for money!

HOW TO BUY
The Field Guide to the Marine Fishes of Wales and Adjacent Waters retails for £19.95 + £3.25 post and packing, and is available direct from www.marinewildlife.co.uk

Published by Marine Wildlife, Vine Villa, Mount Road, Llanfairfechan, Conway, Wales LL03 0DW.

ISBN No 978-0-9562048-0-6

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