UK

Rockall on tip of a vast 'submerged continent'

Rockall sits 180 miles due west of the Outer Hebrides
Rockall sits 180 miles due west of the Outer Hebrides Rockall sits 180 miles due west of the Outer Hebrides

ROCKALL represents the tip of a vast submerged continent.

It sits 180 miles due west of the Outer Hebrides island of St Kilda and is pummelled year round by the powerful sea swell and winds generated by the North Atlantic.

It is Scotland's only truly offshore shallow water ecosystem and rises just 19 metres above sea level, Marine Scotland said.

It explained: "The islet of Rockall is actually the only part of a vast plateau of submerged continent that remains above sea level."

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said it was mainly of interest to scientists because of its isolation and extreme exposure.

"Beneath the surface there is a rich mosaic of sponges, hydroids, anemones and red algae, predominantly encrusting and low-growing species.

"Although the bedrock is richly colonised, species diversity is not as high as might be expected in such an extreme environment and remote location."

The area around Rockall supports large stocks of haddock and monkfish and fish species quite distinct from elsewhere in Scotland, SNH added.

While Rockall has no nature conservation designations, there are two offshore special areas of conservation in the area around it: East Rockall Bank SAC and Northwest Rockall Bank SAC.

The heritage organisation said Rockall Bank was potentially one of the most extensive sites for reef formed by cold water coral species in UK waters.