ROCKY SHORES CM4 KELP BEDS*** MARITIME CLIFFS*** COASTAL LICHENS GENERIC STATEMENT*** PURPLE SANDPIPER*** ROCK PIPIT* CURLEW**

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1 What are? Rocky shores exist where the effect of waves on the coast is mainly erosive. Softer rocks are worn down, leaving harder rocks exposed. Rocky shores are the most variable coastal habitat in the UK; their character depends on the prevailing rock type and their profile is usually related to strata formation. The habitat is physically complex, with changes of slope and the presence of rockpools, gullies, crevices and boulders increasing the range of habitats and consequently the number of species present. Because most of the substrate is stable, it provides a secure surface for a variety of organisms such as seaweeds, barnacles, mussels and limpets. Most rocky shores are heavily populated by wildlife. The variable physical conditions, including light availability, degree of exposure, changes in temperature and salinity, aspect, substrate type and biotic features lead to the development of a characteristic zonation of species and habitats. The following zones can be distinguished on rocky shores: the splash zone, the upper (eulittoral), middle and lower (sublittoral) zones. The middle shore generally has the greatest species diversity, whilst the lower shore is most prolific. Conditions on rocky shores are harsh; organisms have to be able to survive rapidly to changing environmental conditions and to be capable of rapid recolonisation. Rocky shores are a dynamic and fascinating habitat that is easily accessible for visiting and study. The presence of rockpools provide an opportunity to view many species of intertidal plants and animals in their natural habitat. Where are they found in the UK? Rocky shore can be found around the coast of the UK and range from the wave exposed headlands of Atlantic coasts to the sheltered algae covered shores of sea lochs. Approximately 34% of the UK coastline comprises rocky shores. Why are rocky shores of CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE? Rocky shores are biologically rich in terms of the number and variety of species they support. This high Other action plans and statements covering issues relevant to rocky shores:- KELP BEDS*** MARITIME CLIFFS*** COASTAL LICHENS GENERIC STATEMENT*** PURPLE SANDPIPER*** ROCK PIPIT* CURLEW** CM4

2 CM4 species diversity is a consequence of the large number of ecological niches present. An environmental gradient that ranges from almost totally marine to almost completely terrestrial is present. They are also a relatively natural habitat where the species and habitats are not practically managed for conservation in the same way that many terrestrial habitats are. Rocky shores are important for the opportunity they provide for visitors to the coast to view marine life, and also for educational purposes. Rocky shores however are also a vulnerable habitat. The physical conditions which prevail on a rocky shore create an environment that is naturally harsh, but rocky shores are also threatened by other factors, including pollution, high recreational pressure and rising sea level. IN THE DURHAM AREA What is the state of rocky shores in the DURHAM AREA? In comparison with neighbouring areas, the rocky shores of the coast of the Durham area are relatively low in diversity of flora and fauna, with fewer biotopes present. The number of algal species varies between 10 and 60. Elsewhere in the UK, the minimum is 68 and the average is 90. There is, however, substantial variation between different areas along the coast of Durham which is due in part to the history of coal spoil dumping. From Trow Rocks south to Whitburn,and at Roker, the outcropping Magnesian limestone gives rise to rocky shores with interesting and varied wildlife. South of Seaham, the most valuable area in terms of biodiversity is at Blackhall Rocks. The coastal limestone is highly erodible; consequently there is an elevated level of suspended solids and reduced species diversity. The effects of coal spoil dumping include habitat loss, an increase in suspended solids and chemical pollution. Undoubtedly, substantial areas of intertidal rocky shore have been lost as a result of the dumping of mine waste. As the amount of coal spoil decreases, the area of rocky shore will increase but it is not yet known if this will lead to an increase in biotope diversity. There is already some evidence of a recently re-exposed rocky shore at Seaham being colonised by opportunistic algae, including Enteromorpha. WHERE do they occur in the Durham area? The coast of the Durham Plan area is dominated by Carboniferous limestone, with vertical cliffs. Some of these have wave cut platforms at their base, while in other areas, such as at Blackhall Rocks and Parton Rocks, there are rocky outcrops. The most frequently occurring biotope along the Durham area coast consists of moderately exposed to exposed rock characterised by dense populations of barnacles Semibalanus balanoides and limpets Patella vulgaris. Cracks and crevices in the rocks provide a refuge for mussels Mytilus edulis, winkles Littorina spp. Where wave action is locally increased a mosaic of bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) barnacles, limpets and mussels occur. Some areas of the coast, where the shore has been badly affected by colliery waste, such as around Horden, are almost devoid of life. Parts of the shore here are now showing signs of improvement with a few species of marine life present such as anemones, crabs and starfish. At Blackhall Rocks, towards the southern end of the area, the diversity of species and number of individuals increases considerably with five different seaweed species present, periwinkles, anemones, edible crabs, shore crabs, common starfish and dog whelk as well as fish in rockpools including shannies and sticklebacks. Rockpools are encountered at all levels of the shore along the coast of the DBAP area. Shallow pools lined with either boulders, cobbles or bedrock and typically characterised by coral weed (e.g. Corallina officinalis), pink coralline algae, red algae, green algae and juvenile kelp. Barnacles, limpets and common periwinkles are present. Deeper rockpools are characterised by similar species, but with a greater frequency of kelp, green algae and more typically sublittoral species such as dahlia sea anemone (Actinia equina) and common starfish (Asterias rubens) and dogwhelk.

3 CM4 Large numbers of wintering waders use the rocky shores along the coast of the DBAP area including golden plover and curlew. The stretches of rocky shores and their wildlife along the coast of the DBAP area enjoy statutory protection down to low water mark. Many parts of the coast are designated as SSSI, including from Trow Point to Whitburn Steel and Parsons Rocks. With the exception of a small area, the SSSI includes includes the area from the south of Sunderland to just north of Seaham, including Pincushion Rocks and Featherbed Rocks. Then, from south of Seaham down to Crimdon, the coast is all included in the SSSI, with the exception of Easington Colliery and small areas at Horden and north of Blue House Gill. All of these areas, with the exception of Parsons Rocks are included within the candidate SAC which confers a higher level of protection under the European Habitats Directive. Parts of the coast (the cliffs and foreshore) between Trow Point and Whitburn Steel form part of the Northumbria Coast SPA and RAMSAR area. These designations protect the shore habitat itself and the organisms living there down to MLWM. Rocky shores are at RISK from: RECREATIONAL PRESSURES - trampling and the collection of organisms for recreational purposes are major threats for the wildlife of rocky shores. Large numbers of tourists visiting in the holiday season increase this pressure. THE EFFECTS OF COAL SPOIL DUMPING AND ITS SUBSEQUENT CLEARANCE - until 1993 coal spoil was dumped on the beaches of County Durham leading to increased concentration of solids and changed topography of the shoreline. POLLUTION- rocky shores are vulnerable to all types of marine pollution, including oil discharges and spills and the presence of toxic chemicals in seawater. Oil smothers organisms living on rock surfaces and poisons those living in rockpools. Only 3% of oil pollution comes from shipping accidents; the majority originates from deliberate tank washings and municipal waste. Anti-fouling agents, used by some boat owners are poisonous to marine life. LITTER AND SEWAGE RELATED DEBRIS - site-specific problems such as sewage discharge from outfall pipes and litter left on beaches all have an adverse effect on rocky shores CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL - the sea level rise that is predicted to occur as a consequence of climate change will have a major impact on rocky shores with the loss of entire communities of organisms. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT - coastal development may lead to both habitat creation and destruction for rocky shores. Piers, jetties and outfalls may alter the intertidal environment, but at the same time, may offer new sites for colonisation. Sea defences alter the degree of exposure of rocky shores and consequently will affect the composition of the communities present. Rocky shores BENEFIT from: MEASURES TO MAINTAIN THEIR PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY - including pollution control and regulation, development control and the establishment of contingency plans to be followed in the event of a major pollution incident. AN ESTABLISHED SURVEY AND MONITORING PROGRAMME - to establish the current status of the rocky shores in the DBAP area and to monitor the effect of the clearance of coal spoil from the beaches. RAISED PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THEIR ECOLOGICAL VALUE AND VULNERABILITY - guided walks, events and the provision of interpretation can all be used to encourage responsible enjoyment of rocky shores. MEASURES TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING AND SEA LEVEL RISE - including community-wide initiatives such as wise use of fossil fuels and usage of energy efficient appliances. Important SPECIES for rocky shores in the Durham area: GOLDEN PLOVER REDSHANK TURNSTONE GULL SPECIES OYSTERCATCHER ROCKPOOL FLORA & FAUNA

4 CM4 TARGETS 1 Maintain the current rocky shore resource with its biological communities and seek to enhance it. () 2 3 Maintain the free functioning of physical coastal processes acting on rocky shores. () Survey and monitor the wildlife of rocky shores in the Durham plan area. () 4 5 Involve the local community in practical projects, information gathering and awareness raising events such a guided walks. Organise at least three events per annum along the Plan s coastline. (2002) Include contingencies for managing rocky shores in local strategic plans such as the ICZM Plan. (2002) ACTION PLAN ACTION DATE Possible PARTNERS Meets TARGET No. POLICY AND LEGISLATION 1. Support the proposed SAC and SPA designations for the coast of the DBAP area. 2. Ensure that Shoreline Management Plans allow natural processes to continue in the interest of biodiversity and geology EN, DWT, DBAP, EDC, STMBS, SCC, NT STMBC, SCC, EDC, DCC, DWT, DBAP, NT 1, 2 1, 2 3. Ensure that leisure and commercial boat maintenance laws prevent chemical pollution entering the water. 4. Liaise with local authorities to protect sensitive areas from development. SITE SAFEGUARD AND MANAGEMENT 5. Ensure appropriate levels of protection for designated areas - SSSI, csac, SPA. EA, LAs 1 SCC, EDC, DCC, STMBC, DBAP, EN, DWT EN, NT, DBAP 1 1 continued...

5 CM4 ACTION PLAN ACTION DATE Possible PARTNERS Meets TARGET No. SITE SAFEGUARD AND MANAGEMENT continued 6. Support local initiatives to reduce minor pollution and litter. 7. Encourage the use of ecologically benign clean-up policies in contingency plans for oil spills. 8. Support measures to reduce the impact of global warming. STMBC, SCC, EDC, NT, DBAP STMBC, SCC, EDC, DCC, Fire Brigade, DWT, Port and harbour authorities, INCA 1 1, 2, 5 LA21, ALL PARTNERS 1 9. Seek to improve the quality of coastal waters. Monitor discharges of sewage and other pollutants. Seek to reduce levels of marine pollution. ADVISORY 10. Provide information and advice for planning authorities and Crown Commissioner with regard to protection of the rocky foreshore and its associated wildlife. 11. Incorporate the rocky shore habitat into forthcoming Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. RESEARCH AND MONITORING 12. Continue to survey the wildlife of the rocky shores along the DBAP area. Support the work of "Biodiversity Between the Tides". 13. Monitor the effects of clearance of coal spoil from the County Durham coast. 14. Identify and monitor the effects of recreation and visitor usage, particularly during the holiday season. DEFRA, EA, NWL 1, 5 EN, DBAP, DWT ALL PARTNERS 1, 5 Biodiversity Between the Tides, NT, Dove Marine Laboratory, EN EA, EN 1, onwards NT, SCC, EDC, STMBC 3 1, 3 continued...

6 CM4 ACTION PLAN ACTION DATE Possible PARTNERS Meets TARGET No. COMMUNITY AND PUBLICITY 15. Prepare publicity information on the ecology and protection of rocky shores as part of integrated coastal/marine interpretation package CA, LAs Encourage understanding, responsibility and appreciation of rocky shores by means of organised events e.g. rock pooling, guided walks. 17. Encourage the use of rocky shores as an educational resource for local school and community groups. SCC, STMBC, EDC, DCC, NT 2001 LEAs, WATCH, DWT, DBAP 4 4