Wave-exposed shingle beaches are very mobile. As such, they tend to be inhospitable to plant and invertebrate wildlife. Relatively stable shingle beaches, however, are usually colonized by characteristic flora and fauna.
Sheltered shingle shores are usually regarded as being sensitive with respect to oil pollution. Crude oil stranded upon shingle is likely to sink into the sediment column, and may persist there for some considerable time.
This problem was evident during the aftermath to the 'Sea Empress' spill. Many shores within the affected region contain shingle berms. These were affected badly by deep-seated persistent residues. The clean-up operation on these shores was difficult and protracted. In some cases, the shingle was removed from the beach and transported to an onshore site for cleaning.
University of Wales Swansea School of Biological Sciences Home Page
Authors: Peter Dyrynda, Rob Symberlist
Contributor: Peter Hayward
Contact: P.Dyrynda@swansea.ac.uk
Update: 22/1/98