Edible Sea-urchin
Also known as the 'Common Sea-urchin', the Edible Sea-urchin is large and round with short, strong spines. It lives amongst seaweed and rocks, where it grazes on algae and small shellfish.
Numbers of Common Sea-urchins have been depleted by overexploitation for commercial use. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Green Sea-urchin
The Green Sea-urchin is a small, round sea-urchin with strong, short spines. Lives amongst seaweed and rocks, grazing on sponges, seaweed and other algae, and also eats young shellfish.
Sea-urchins and starfish provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Brittlestar
Brittlestars have a rounded, disk-like body, with five very long, thin, spiny arms each up to 10cm long. They live on the seafloor, using their long legs to filter feed: they raise them up off the floor and catch plankton and detritus which are then fed back towards the mouth.
Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust. You can also help by reporting your sightings to Devon Wildlife Trust or to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.
Starfish
A familiar seashore inhabitant, the Common Starfish lives up to its name. It is found from the lower shore and further out. It is a predator, feeding on shellfish including cockles, mussels and barnacles.
Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Sun-star
A distinctive sun-like starfish, the Common Sun-star has about 10 to 12 relatively short 'arms'. A beautiful starfish, covered with small spines.
Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Brown Shrimp
The Brown Shrimp, also known as the 'Common Shrimp', lives in shallow, sheltered waters of muddy and sandy shores; it is especially common in estuaries such as the Wash. It lives almost buried in the sand, from where it ambushes its prey of worms, molluscs and other crustaceans.
Crustaceans provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Shore Crab
Probably the commonest crab in Britain, the Common Shore Crab is a medium-sized crab which lives amongst rocks and seaweed from mid shore down to beyond the low tide mark. It feeds on detritus and small animals. During the summer breeding season, a male will find a female and grab hold of her until she moults; at which point they are able to mate.
Crustaceans provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Edible Crab
The Edible Crab is a typical-looking crab, with a broad, orange body. It lives amongst seaweed and rocks, up to depths of 100 metres, and feeds on smaller animals and detritus. During the winter breeding season, a male will find a female and grab hold of her until she moults; at which point they are able to mate.
Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Great Spider Crab
A pear-shaped crab, with a pointed 'face', the Great Spider Crab has long, spindly legs similar to a spider. It lives amongst rocks and seaweed from the low tide mark out to sea, but is often washed up on the beach.
Crustaceans provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Hermit Crab
Hermit crabs live inside the empty shells of snail-like animals, particularly whelks and periwinkles. They live on sandy and rocky shores, where they scavenge on plant and animal remains. They have hard pincers, but a soft body which is hidden inside the shell.
Crustaceans provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
