 web.jpg "Starfish and mussels (Credit Dorset Wildlife Trust)")
Starfish and mussels (Credit Dorset Wildlife Trust)
This area is swept by strong tidal currents which deliver the filter feeding mussels a reliable food supply.
The mussels here are predated upon by common starfish.
This recommended MCZ lies to the southeast of Portland. The area covers a small portion of a larger blue mussel bed attached to the rocky seafloor. Dense carpets of common brittlestars have been recorded over these nearby mussel beds.
South-East of Portland is swept by strong tidal currents which deliver the filter feeding mussels a reliable food supply. Large dahlia anemones are found living amongst the mussels and also benefit from the flow of food.
The mussels here are predated upon by common starfish and some unusually large dog-whelks; however, newly cleared patches of rock are quickly colonised by mussel spat, as in the photo above.
This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is ON HOLD at the moment as it was recommended as a Reference Area
We need you to urge Defra to consider designating this site as an MCZ to protect the blue mussel beds which are not protected as a feature of the SAC:
This site has been proposed as a Reference Area (highly protected MCZ) by Defra. Defra are now reviewing the designation of such site and The Wildlife Trusts will input into this review. However, it is our view that this site could still make an important contribution to an ecologically coherent network. The site sits within the boundary of Studland to Portland Special Area of Conservation (SAC). However, this protection does not extend to the blue mussel beds found within the site.
Therefore we recommend that this site is designated as an MCZ to protect the blue mussel beds which are not protected as a feature of the SAC.
Other nearby MCZs
South of Portland South Dorset
Location map
South-East of Portland recommended MCZ is located in the map below.
Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| South-East of Portland.pdf | 576.41 KB |