Nils Aukan discovers rare jewel anemones off the coast of Kristiansund, Norway

Nils Aukan, a seasoned underwater photographer with 55 years of experience, recently made a fascinating discovery off the coast of Kristiansund, Norway. In late July, he stumbled upon a rare species of sea creature known as Corynactis viridis, or jewel anemones, at a depth of 27 meters.

While these anemones are commonly found in the Mediterranean and along the coasts of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, Aukan is the first to identify them along Norway’s coastline. Describing the moment of discovery, he mentioned seeing a circular shape on a wall, initially mistaking it for similar-looking hydroids. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was, in fact, tiny anemones.

To document his find, Aukan captured a series of photographs and submitted them to the Dugnad for Havet project, an initiative led by the Institute of Marine Research. Marine researcher Gro van der Meeren confirmed the identity of the specimens and expressed appreciation for Aukan’s detailed observations and photographs. She emphasized the significance of sharing such findings, as the species has not been officially recorded in Norway before.

Aukan noted that each anemone measures only two to three centimeters in diameter and features sharp edges, suggesting they may have reproduced through cloning. Driven by curiosity about marine life, Aukan reflects on his passion for exploring underwater environments, hoping to discover something new with every dive. The more time one spends in the sea, he says, the more fascinating discoveries await.