Low tides and high times

Tompot & Crab

Oyster thiefs

Kelp holdfast

A Cling fish - Photo by Dom Longley

Equinox brings low tides

Equinox or extreme low spring tides only occur twice a year and it’s an opportunity not to be missed! Shore species already living at the limit of their survival capabilities are uncovered by the tide that little bit longer; becoming subjected to the sometimes harmful effects of the wind, rain and sun and jeopardizing their survival.

Great for rock-hoppers!

For marine biologists, this window of discovery enthralls the keen rock hopper and marveling at unknown discovery again and again under each and every turned boulder, never ceases to amaze.

Surf n Turf gang spring into action

The marine wardens and Surf n Turf gang were in full force at the beginning of March, cameras at the ready and poised for the under boulder action. Many had never experienced extreme (low tide) rockpooling at the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and all in all had a fabulous time strolling along the shore in all weathers!

What did they find?

Here’s an example of their ‘finds’. Grey sea slugs armed with their previously digested anemone tentacles on their backs for protection, hugging the contours of the rocks after gently leaving their egg bundles behind. Ever observant cling fish armed with false eyes, almost glued to their protective surface as waves crash around them. Everywhere amongst the boulder fields at Kimmeridge, the sheen of sticky looking purple laver algae lay, draping over tightly shut barnacles and small periwinkles of the upper shore.

Distinct holdfasts from the variety of kelp algae scattered the lower shore glistening in the spring sunshine interweaved between the calcified corallina and iridescent rainbow weed. ‘Magic weed’ to those who know it’s secret! Pepper dulse lined the rockpool edges and oyster thief bubbles brazenly displayed their unusual structure, often not perceived as just brown algae.

Find out more

Further low tide discoveries can be viewed on the home page slideshow or images from Dorset hoping to be showcased can be uploaded to the Dorset Wildlife Trust Flickr group.

In addition, why not learn more and Support Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve on Facebook?