Wildlife enthusiasts, divers, snorklers and paddlers here is your chance to enter North Devon’s only underwater photography competition, The Lundy Splash In!

This year’s Lundy Splash In! is part of the B10 programme of events, celebrating ten years of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The competition will be held on Saturday 29 June 2012 in the waters around Lundy. The competition costs £20 to enter and entry fees include one night’s cam

Lundy with its unique ecosystem both in and out of the water contributes a special element to the diverse variety of habitats making up North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve. Due to its distinctive marine life, Lundy has the UK’s only Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and the first ever No Take Zone. These designations ensure the protection of the marine area and help preserve this unique place for the future.

Beccy MacDonald, the Lundy Warden, told us “This year’s competition is promising to be an excellent one, as the seas around Lundy are already teeming with life. The early plankton blooms have already brought Basking Sharks along with an array of jellyfish species. Those taking part in the competition will be spoilt for choice as always, as the Marine Conservation Zone has so many underwater landscapes and species to choose from such as the favourite subjects of kelp forests, mischievous grey seals and spectacular jewel anemones.”

As well as a fabulous opportunity to get up close with Lundy's awe inspiring marine life there is a total prize fund with a value of almost £3000! Prizes for the competition have been kindly donated by Mares, Olympus, Forth Element, Scuba Travel, Sea & Sea and AP Valves.

This year’s Lundy Splash In! categories are:
1. Mega to Macro: close-up portraits of marine species 2. Marine Ambience: portraying the MCZ and its spectacular underwater scenery
3. Marine Abstract: down to your imagination

To enter the competition please email warden@lundyisland.co.uk for a pre-registration form as places are limited. The Marisco Tavern will be hosting the after-photography party on the Saturday night with local Celtic folk rock band The Dambuskers providing the party music!

isit the Lundy MCZ website for more information http://www.lundymcz.org.uk/ and the Lundy Company website for transport and accommodation details http://www.lundyisland.co.uk/.

Photo credits: Compass by James Wright (jellyfish abstract) / Into the Deep by Mark Lavington (Diver)