APHOTOMARINE
An Educational Photographic Resource and Stock Image Library
of the Sea, Maritime Environment, Marine and Rockpool Life in the
Coastal Waters of South-West England by David Fenwick.
2. Use nets GENTLY and carefully so as not to damage plants or animals.
3. Touching soft bodied and small creatures may HARM them, or harm YOU, some animals can sting or bite. e.g. crabs, jelly fish, weaver fish, even blennies.
4. ONLY keep creatures captive for a short time, do not let them dry out, place them in a pool or bucket of fresh sea water, TRY NOT TO TOUCH THEM. It is sometimes safer to WATCH and not risk HARM.
5. CAREFULLY replace any rocks or stones in the same position and the same way up that you found them.
6. Be CAREFUL, the coastline can be dangerous; always wear suitable footwear, seaweed is slippery and rocks can be sharp.
7. Plan VERY well and know your tide times. Tide Times for the South West can be found on the BBC Weather Website. If in doubt follow the tide down and leave at low water or SOON AFTER to avoid being cut off.
8. Stay AWAY from crumbling cliffs, especially after wet weather.
9. ALWAYS follow directions given on local notice boards, if in doubt contact the local council or Wildlife Trust for advice.
11. Take ALL litter home.
12. Finally. Rockpools and Beaches can be one of THE best places to introduce children to to wonders of nature and the natural world. ALWAYS try and make sure they enjoy the experience. The are numerous events and Seashore Safari’s run by Wildlife Trusts and other voluntary organisations across the UK; a little research can pay dividends and often for a very small fee.
Similarly if you don’t fancy the beach there are numerous aquariums to be found across the country and numerous websites dedicated to shorelife and marine animals.