News and Blogs
Around Our Shores: The Mermaid of Zennor, Cornwall
According to folklore, a beautiful mermaid would sing enchanting songs at the local church, captivating a young man named Mathew Trewella. He followed her into the sea, never to be seen again.
Around our Shores: Dunwich Heath and Beach
Dunwich Heath and Beach is a National Trust site located on the Suffolk coast. It is a precious landscape that offers a true sense of being at one with nature. The area is home to a range of interesting wildlife such as the Dartford warbler.
Around our Shores: Boscastle, Cornwall
The narrow winding inlet of Boscastle harbour provides some rare shelter for boats along this intimidating stretch of Cornish coastline. Tourism is it's main activity today.
Did You Know? The Solar Powered Sea Slug
The sea slug then uses them to provide its own food, effectively deriving its own food from sunlight. It’s highly unusual for an animal to behave like a plant and survive solely on photosynthesis. Elysia chlorotica is a solar-powered sea slug!
Salmon Farming | Controlling Sea Lice with Wrasse
A spotlight has been shining on Scottish Salmon farming recently, moreover the prevalence of sea lice affecting the farmed salmon stock. One method of controlling parasites present in farms relies upon the Wrasse
Around our Shores: Brownsea Island, Dorset
Brownsea Island is also home to a wealth of flora and fauna, including nesting terns, winter bird arrivals, and grazing animals. Two bird hides give fabulous views of the birds on the lagoon and surrounding reedbeds.
Around our Shores: Brean Down, Somerset
Brean Down is a limestone headland situated near Weston-super-Mare in Somerset. Many varieties of birds, such as gulls, kestrels, chats and redshanks, can be seen from footpaths crossing its grassy hills.
Lords of the Sea: The Common Cachalot - Sperm Whale
Sperm whales can live up to 75 years and are currently considered a 'vulnerable' species on conservation lists. There were over 2 million Sperm Whales a century ago, but the population has dwindled to less than 250,000 in modern times.
OATA Care Guide: Seahorses and Pipefish
OATA produce a good range of free care sheets for coldwater, tropical freshwater and marine fish as well as for invertebrates, aquatic reptiles and plants. Both seahorses and pipefish are associated with coral reefs, sea grass beds and lagoons throughout the world’s oceans.
