Seabed survey shows evidence of dredging destruction

Slipper Limpets taking over after dredging-Troupeurs Reef Bouley Bay Credit: Kevin McIlwee

A team of experts and volunteer divers have discovered new information on how local species live, interact and adapt to our tides.

Jersey Seasearch carried out a seabed survey last week and managed to add more than 11,000 species reports to the islands and UK's official records.

Unusual Dahlia Anemone-Dirouelles Credit: Kevin McIlwee
Hunting Cuttle Fish North Écréhous Credit: Kevin McIlwee

The charity says they've found evidence that dredging continues to destroy the seabed at an alarming rate.

Huge Slipper Limpet beds were discovered outside Bouley Bay since the area was dredged, this makes it difficult for other species - like the scallop - to thrive.

Slipper Limpets taking over then wiping themselves out after dredging-Troupeurs Reef Bouley Bay Credit: Kevin McIlwee

Among their discoveries, the group found every type of anemone that can survive in our temperate waters including a huge wall of Sunset Cup Coral which hasn't been seen north of the Channel Islands.

Seasearch visited all the main reefs around Jersey and carried out the first survey of the Dirouelles.

Reef Survey team 2015 Credit: Kevin McIlwee