Rock Pooling: Lichens or small green algae on supralittoral fringe

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Rocky shore - Coll- The Hebrides

Rock pooling destination: Coll, Scotland June 2012

The upper shore is characterised by steeply inclined rock dominated by lichens.

Habitat Classification:LR.FLR.Lic (Lichens or small green algae on supralittoral and littoral fringe rock).

The steep uppershore is dominated by Lichens.Habitat Classification:
LR.FLR.Lic (Lichens or small green algae on supralittoral and littoral fringe rock).

Sea pinks / Sea thrift

Sea Ivory (Ramalina siliquosa) and orange lichen (Xanthoria parietina).

Orange lichen (Xanthoria parietina).

A lichen

Parelle (Ochrolechia parella)

Lichens descend down the shore.

Rock Pooling Etiquette

Rock pooling is a fun and fascinating activity and it is important to respect the marine organisms you encounter.

The best time to go rock pooling is at low tide when the intertidal zone is exposed. The intertidal zone is the area of the shore that is covered and exposed by the sea as it rises and falls. It experiences daily fluctuations in environmental conditions and the creatures that live there will have
positioned themselves to reduce the extremes they must endure. Therefore it is important to return creatures to the place that you found them and to return any boulders or seaweeds you may have overturned in your pursuit.