Marine life of the Teign Estuary (S Devon Branch)

An illustrated talk by Mike Puleston of the Shores of South Devon Marine Life Interest Association (website). The talk will focus on the surprising range of life that thrives in the challenging environment of the inter-tidal zone.

The cost will be £2 for DA members, £4 for non-members.

Report on the talk

Mike Puleston took us on an illustrated journey from Newton Abbot Town Quay to the sea at Teignmouth, showing the variety of marine life that can be found there. Remarkable underwater photographs showed the differing life that occupies this area depending on the salinity of the water.

With its source on Dartmoor above Chagford, the Teign starts its transformation from fresh water to sea water around Newton Abbot Town Quay. From the Quay to the road bridge over the A380 the water is brackish, neither fresh nor salty. Grey mullet come up with the tide and seals, otters and kingfishers can all be seen along this stretch. On the rocky shore under the road bridge, barnacles appear – these are an invasive species from San Francisco. Lots of little animals live under the stones in this area of low salinity, as well as the beginnings of species of seaweed. Different species, for example seaweed and barnacles, live along the estuary as the salinity of the water increases.

The Teign estuary is much shallower than most estuaries, leaving large expanses of mud flats that are rich in worms and snails, providing food for birds and fish. Along the wall at Coombe Cellars marine lichens can be found and as the water becomes more saline, bladder wrack and channelled wrack appear. Here too is a pavement of Pacific oysters. The authorities have tried unsuccessfully to eradicate this invasive species but it does provide a home for seaweeds and other animals – sponges and worms.

Moving down to Shaldon bridge where the water is cold and fast flowing, one can find fish, prawns, sponges, seaweed, barnacles and oysters, all of which provide a habitat for the others. Rock pools at the “Salty” at Shaldon contain mussels, barnacles and other animals. There is again a problem with an invasive species – this time seaweed from the Pacific. It has taken hold and is spreading under the bridge and this must be monitored to see if it is destroying native species.

Down on Shaldon breakwater is lots of seaweed and sea slugs; this environment can change drastically with the tide. And on the sea side of the breakwater can be found sponges, snails, barnacles, limpets, sea slugs, anemones and insects, among others! What a variety of sea creatures make their home in our Teign estuary!

Chris Reader
December 2024