Redshank (Credit Tom Marshall)
This estuary is of ecological importance because of the areas of saltmarsh and mudflats that it contains.
The endangered European eel has also been recorded in the estuary.
The Axe Estuary extends from its mouth, at the seaward edge of the shingle bar east of Seaton, inland as far as the mouth of the River Coly, near Colyford.
The estuary is of ecological importance because of the areas of saltmarsh and mudflats that it contains. Mudflats provide an important source of food for a wide range of species and as a result, the Axe Estuary is an important nursery area for fish, including bass. The endangered European eel has also been recorded in the estuary.
Inland of the recommended MCZ, the River Axe itself is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and there are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) recognising the value of the river’s distinctive communities of floating vegetation.
This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is ON HOLD at the moment as Defra has indicated that there is not enough evidence to support designation.
We need you to urge Defra to commit to gathering the additional evidence needed to consider designation of this site in a future tranche.
Defra has indicated that although there is enough evidence to support designation of this site for the saltmarshes and reedbeds found within its boundaries, further evidence is required for five additional habitats and species recommended by stakeholders. Therefore the site is on hold at present pending additional evidence.
This site is important as the saltmarshes and reedbeds support wading birds, provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish and habitat for crustaceans and molluscs.
We need you to urge Defra consider designation of this site as soon as possible for those features deemed to have sufficient evidence. Defra should commit to gathering additional data to consider designation of those additional features requiring more evidence in a future tranche.
Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012
Other nearby MCZs
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| Axe Estuary.pdf | 232 KB |