HABITAT ACTION PLAN HABITAT ACTION PLAN
COASTAL & MARINE
STRANDLINE
What is the STRANDLINE?
The strandline marks the very edge of the sea. It can be
seen as a line of seaweed and other debris left stranded
on the beach at high water mark. On tidal coasts, such
as Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside, it moves
up and down the beach in a fortnightly cycle. (On
tideless coasts, its position is fixed).
At each high tide the sea deposits an accumulation of
debris on the shore. Winds and waves wash up large
amounts of seaweed that has been broken from colonies
growing on reefs offshore and other flotsam, as well as
the remains of some of the animal inhabitants of the
sea. Terrestrial organic debris, such as grasses and leaves,
is also deposited. This straggling collection of debris is
what is known as the strandline. Piles of organic matter
are a familiar site along the strandline, particularly in
spring and autumn, when kelps shed their fronds.
This is a hostile environment, where wave action means
constant movement. Most plants that root just above
the limit of high tides reach are annuals - in this mobile
habitat a short life cycle is advantageous.
Within the strandline, can be found not only evidence
of plants and animals living just offshore, but also the
remains of pelagic and benthic animals which are never
found between the tides. Examples include mermaids
purses (egg cases of dogfish, rays and skates), razor shells,
variegated scallops, sea-squirts and goose barnacles on
driftwood.
Where is it found in the UK?
Strandlines occur around the UK coastline, but are best
developed on flat sandy beaches. Generally strandlines
are an ephemeral habitat, but they can become more
permanent and extensive in sheltered bays and estuaries.
The best strandlines for wildlife will occur on beaches
backed by sand dunes or other semi-natural habitat.
Why is the strandline of CONSERVATION
IMPORTANCE?
Strandlines provide sheltered moist conditions which
create a valuable habitat for wildlife. It is a fringe
habitat, which is neither marine nor terrestrial and
Other action plans and statements covering
issues relevant to the strandline:-
COASTAL SAND DUNES***
KELP BEDS***
SANDERLING***
ROCK PIPIT*
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COASTAL & MARINE
HABITAT ACTION PLAN HABITAT ACTION PLAN
STRANDLINE
invertebrates from both ecosystems have adapted to take
advantage of it.
The dead material of the strandline supports huge
numbers of invertebrates compared to the growing
plants. The richest communities are found in the
thickest, wettest, rotting material. These rotting
THE STRANDLINE IN THE DURHAM AREA
WHERE does it occur in the Durham area?
The coastal strandline is present along the coast of
County Durham but it is broken and very sparse.
seaweeds provide a rich foodsource for a great variety of
Along the beach at Crimdon there is a narrow
both marine and terrestrial invertebrates including
strandline. The best areas of strandline are to the north
sandhoppers, kelp flies, beetles, small crabs and sea-
of South Bents up to South Shields.
slaters. Large pieces of driftwood provide shelter on the
shore active predators who emerge at night. There are a
number of beetles who feed only on sea-soaked wood.
The presence of all these invertebrates provides an
important food source for birds. Large numbers of birds
including waders, e.g. sanderling, knot, dunlin and
ringed plover, as well as crows and seabirds feed here.
Mammals observed foraging at the strandline include
foxes, brown hares, voles and mice.
What is the state of the strandline in the
DURHAM AREA?
As mentioned above, the coastal strandline is present
along the coast of County Durham but it is currently
broken and sparse. Coastal strandline vegetation
stretches from the high water mark to the base of the
cliffs. The strandline holds maritime vegetation which is
now starting to make a comeback in County Durham
The rich invertebrate assemblage supports a few
following the cessation of dumping of colliery waste and
specialised plant species. These plants are able to
the consequent beach pollution. Species such as sea
withstand periodic disturbance and innundation - they
rocket can now be found on Durham’s beaches. North of
are true maritime species.
South Bents, the strandline is wider and much more
The strandline provides the main input of energy to
sandy shore intertidal habitats. They are particularly
important on exposed shores, where they can act as
developed. It can be seen in the bays and beaches as far
north as South Shields, where it becomes much less well
defined and narrower.
precursors to sand dunes. They stabilise the foreshore by
enhancing organic and moisture content; pioneer plants
The strandline is at RISK from:
can then become established and sand dune formation is
DISTURBANCE - this may affect the development of a
species-rich invertebrate fauna and damage the
vegetation.
initiated. Without this initial impetus, sand dune
formation is severely limited.
MECHANICAL BEACH CLEANING - clears away areas of
the strandline and its vegetation. This destroys the
natural community of the strandline. Strandline debris
is often unsightly and can detract from the appearance
of a beach; beach cleaning can make a beach appear
much "cleaner" and attractive to visitors. Removal of
driftwood is also detrimental for wildlife on the beach.
Wood can provide an important habitat for
invertebrates. Beach cleaning also compacts the sand
which can reduce the air spaces between sand grains;
these air spaces provide air for burrowing organisms.
COASTAL & MARINE
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STRANDLINE
Local authorities are under constant pressure to clean up
bathing beaches at least to the standard required to fulfil
the requirements of the Bathing Water Directive
76/106/EC and the desire to win "Blue Flag" awards.
MARINE POLLUTION - including oil which smothers
organisms which live on beaches.
BEACH LITTER - litter left on beaches and washed up
on the beach from the sea is a big problem. Large
quantities of litter e.g. plastic bottles, aerosol canisters,
glass, metal, sanitary refuse and netting can be found in
the strandline. In 1998, the Marine Conservation
Society survey of litter on over 250 beaches found that
37% of beach litter could be attributed to recreational
and tourism related litter. Plastics, in particular last for a
very long time. In sea water they may take several years
to break down.
COASTAL PROTECTION WORKS - loss of sediment due
to coastal protection works.
BEACHCOMBING - the removal of too many specimens
during beach combing will adversely affect the
strandline and its wildlife. The removal of driftwood for
barbecues can destroy or greatly reduce invertebrate
communities.
RAISED AWARENESS - raised public awareness of the
importance of value of the strandline as a habitat for a
wide variety of wildlife and its role in the formation of
coastal sand dunes. Though they may look untidy,
strandlines are very important for coastal wildlife.
POSITIVE GUIDELINES - encourage the development of
coastal guidelines which discourage the removal or
disturbance of strandlines, especially during beach
cleaning.
NATURAL SEDIMENT MOVEMENT - promotion of
shoreline management plans which permit natural
functioning of coastal sediment processes.
FURTHER STUDY - further ecological studies of this
habitat e.g. a study of the ecological importance of
strandline vegetation in County Durham (vegetation,
invertebrate communities etc.).
LESS LITTER - A reduction in the amount of litter
dropped on the beach and dumped in the sea. Man
made litter can be carefully removed from the
strandline.
KEEPING VEHICLES OFF BEACHES - avoiding driving
beyond designated parking sites when visiting the coast.
RECREATION - intensive recreational use of beaches
with large numbers of people using the beach is
inevitably damaging to the strandline, because of both
disturbance and litter.
Important SPECIES associated with
strandlines:
MOTOR VEHICLES - motor vehicles, driving through the
strandline will destroy colonising plants and damage the
process of dune formation. Vehicles may include
recreational off-roaders, sea coalers etc.
RINGED PLOVER
SNOW BUNTING
TURNSTONE
SEA ROCKET
SEA SANDWORT
SALTWORT
The strandline BENEFITS from:
NON-INTERFERENCE - the best way to maintain the
strandline is to keep disturbance to a minimum.
INFORMATION GATHERING - gathering of further
information and making use of this information.
Information on the occurrence and structure of
strandlines should be incorporated into inventories of
coastal habitats.
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STRANDLINE
TARGETS
1
2
3
4
extent at Crimdon, prior to work to
stabilise the sand dunes.
(2001)
Determine the current amount of
strandline habitat present along the
DBAP coast. Note how much of this is
of ecological value.
(2002)
Monitor the effect of the gradual
clearance of coal spoil from Durham
beaches and potential sites where a
strandline could form as the artificial
"raised beach" is lowered.
(2002 onwards)
5
Select sites along the coast where it is
appropriate to allow sand dunes to
develop,
taking
into
account
recreational pressures, beach cleaning
activities etc.
(2001)
6
Incorporate
protection
and
enhancement of strandlines into
proposed ICZM plan and into local
council policy.
(2002)
7
Raise awareness of the importance of
the strandline for wildlife.
(ONGOING)
Increase the area of strandline and
quality of strandline habitat along the
Durham coast by 10%.
(2005)
Survey and record the strandline habitat
ACTION PLAN
ACTION
DATE
Possible PARTNERS
Meets TARGET No.
POLICY AND LEGISLATION
1.
Ensure that the ecological
importance of strandlines and
measures for their management are
included in local planning
documents i.e. local, regional and
unitary development plans, shoreline
management plans, coastal zone
management plans.
ONGOING
EDC, SDC, STMBC,
DEFRA, SCC, DCC,
EN, DWT, DBAP
2.
Ensure that the protective measures
required by law in sites with
statutory designations are applied.
ONGOING
EN, EDC, STMBC,
SCC, DCC
3, 6
3
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COASTAL & MARINE
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STRANDLINE
ACTION PLAN
ACTION
DATE
Possible PARTNERS
Meets TARGET No.
SITE SAFEGUARD AND MANAGEMENT
3.
Local authorities should avoid
damaging strandline communities
during mechanical beach cleaning.
ONGOING
EDC, SCC, STMBC
3, 5
There should always be a strong
presumption for retention of the
strandline.
4.
Within designated areas (SSSIs,
SPAs, SNCIs) the strandline should
be left intact. It is illegal to remove
organic matter from the strandline.
ONGOING
EN, EDC, SDC,
STMBC
3, 5
5.
Produce a detailed management plan
for Crimdon beach to include
sensitive policies for management of
the strandlines.
2001
EDC, EN, DBAP
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
6.
Do not leave litter on the beach and
clean up after dogs.
ONGOING
All Partners, Local
Communities
3
7.
Avoid driving on beaches and park
only in designated parking areas.
ONGOING
All Partners, Local
Communities
3
8.
Non-biodegradable man-made litter
accumulating in the strandline
should be carefully removed. This
includes plastics, sanitary refuse,
glass and metal.
ONGOING
All Partners, Local
Communities
3
9.
Dispose of sanitary waste carefully.
ONGOING
All Partners, Local
Communities
3
10. Reduce the amount of plastic used,
reuse and recycle it. Cut plastic
rings and strapping before they are
disposed of.
ONGOING
All Partners, Local
Communities, LA2I
3
11. All boat users should keep their
litter on board.
ONGOING
All boat owners and
users
3
ONGOING
EN, DWT, DBAP, NT
ADVISORY
12. Conservation bodies should provide
advice to local authorities regarding
the management of strandlines in
their area, if required.
2, 3, 5, 6
continued...
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HABITAT ACTION PLAN HABITAT ACTION PLAN
STRANDLINE
ACTION PLAN
ACTION
DATE
Possible PARTNERS
Meets TARGET No.
13. Survey the strandline which
currently exists along the coast of
Durham and south Tyneside.
2002
Local voluntary groups
and conservation bodies,
LAs
1, 2, 3
14. Monitor the effect of the clearance
of spoil from the Durham beaches.
From
2002
Local voluntary groups
and conservation bodies,
DBC
2
15. Monitor the development of the
strandline in terms of quantity and
ecological quality.
From
2002
EDC, STMBC, EN,
SCC
RESEARCH AND MONITORING
1, 2, 3
COMMUNITY AND PUBLICITY
16. Organise beach cleaning events for
local community groups.
ONGOING
EDC, STMBC, SCC,
local volunteers
4, 7
17. Join in national initiatives such as
MCS Beachwatch and "Adopt-aBeach".
ONGOING
All Partners, Local
Communities
4, 7
18. Raise public awareness of the
ecological importance of the
strandline, inspite of its sometimes
being perceived as “unsightly”.
ONGOING
EDC, SDC, STMBC,
EN, DBAP
7