Morecambe Bay

The importance of Morecambe Bay's marine, inter-tidal, coastal, ornithological and natural heritage has been widely recognised. The extensive inter-tidal mud and sand flats contain rich invertebrate animal communities.

The surface waters are characterised by plankton species, (plankton is a floating collection of tiny organisms - plant and animal, often the larvae of various species).

Seaweeds grow in shallow water near the coast. The fern-like growths of hydroids, colonies of tiny animals similar to corals, are common. Many of these colonies bud off little medusae (larvae) like tiny jellyfish, which make up much of the plankton in our seas.

Sea anemones, like the Dahlia Anemone and Bryozoa, are flower-like animals that are commonly found on the sea bed. If the sea bed is rocky a wonderful profusion of multi-coloured sponges, hydroids, sea anemones, sea squirts and hosts of roving worms, crustaceans, molluscs, starfish, brittle-stars and sea urchins can be found. Each stone is a world in itself, covered in its own community of fascinating creatures.

Mussel beds are a major feature of the Bay and bordering the sand flats are extensive areas of salt marsh that support a number of rare and uncommon plants.

The waters and coastal areas of the Bay have for many years provided the local community with a rich and plentiful source of fish and other seafood such as shrimps, prawns, cockles and mussels.