New species of aquatic life have been discovered off the north coast of Ireland, it was revealed today.
About 28 types of sponge have been found in the seas around Rathlin Island, six miles off the coast of Co Antrim.
Researchers from the Ulster Museum revealed they had discovered the species during a six-week diving survey of the fauna in the waters around the island. The area is protected as a Special Area of Conservation.
Researchers are also studying a further 19 species of the colourful aquatic animals.
Bernard Picton, curator of marine invertebrates in the museum's Department of Zoology, said: "We knew that Rathlin Island was an important area for sponges, but the results of the project have surpassed our expectations.
"These findings make it one of the most important areas in Europe for sponges. This discovery is particularly important because it will aid other researchers in their study of sponge communities in the future."
The Rathlin sponge project was part financed by the EU and will be featured in BBC Northern Ireland's Waterworldseries, due to be broadcast in the autumn.