Three Further Giant Fanshell Specimens Found Increasing UK Population By Over 25%

14/06/2007 00:00:00 Salcombe Estuary has just revealed a further four INTERTIDAL specimens - The Marine Conservation Society initially received a report of one animal on the west side of the estuary on 21.3.07 from Nigel Mortimer (South Hams Marine Conservation Officer) whilst carrying out an intertidal survey with University of Plymouth students. A more thorough assessment was carried out during the extreme low tide (0.1m) of 18.4.07 in order to survey the entire seagrass bed within which the original specimen was found. The team included members of Plymouth University, Wildlife Trusts, the Marine Conservation Society, Nigel Mortimer, and members of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. A further three animals were discovered near to the mooring blocks for small craft.

It was felt that as they were all fairly mature specimens (one was lying on its side which was 23cm long by 15cm wide), it wouldn't be sensible to move the moorings, as this may damage adjacent seagrass areas, and they weren't likely to have damaged the specimens as they remained intact. However we have recommended that boats are prevented from anchoring in these shallow waters in the future.

Read more about these Giant Fanshells.