Marine Reserve

Opened by Sir David Bellamy in 1984 the St. Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve is relies on the goodwill of the numerous groups of people who use the area and adhere to the Code of Practice.

The Berwickshire coastal waters are considered by marine biologists to be special and often studied. The water is unusually clear, in contrast to the more silt-laden coastal waters further to the north or south and is home to spectacular underwater scenery wildlife.

The wildlife has some unusual constituents; animals like the fearsome looking wolf-fish which is common in Arctic waters, but are not found much further south of the reserve. Side by side with the wolf-fish, you can find species like the Devonshire cup-coral, an Atlantic species normally limited to the warmer waters of the south and west coast of Britain. Its presence here is due to a small finger of the North Atlantic Drift which extends over the northern tip of Scotland, carrying the larvae of this and other warmer water species.

The value of the marine reserve is enhanced by the fact that it lies within several other conservation areas. The most recent is the Berwickshire and North Northumberland European Marine Site (EMS) which has been designated under the European 'Habitats' Directive. The EMS protects habitats such as the rocky reefs, sea caves and cliffs for breeding sea birds against any damaging practices. Adjacent to much of the coastal boundary of the marine reserve lies the St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve. This is one of the largest onshore breeding colonies for seabirds such as Guilliemots, Razorbills, Kittiewakes, Puffins, Shags and Fulmars.

Marine Reserve
Rangers Cottage
Northfield
St Abbs
TD14 5QF
01890 771443
www.marine-reserve.co.uk