Marine Biodiversity Data Portal - NI

Whitechurch (rocks), Outer Ards.

[Site list for year 1986]

Survey number: 555 Event number: 19860411/22 Date: 1986-04-11 GPS: 54.55800,-5.47500. Depth: 3.5 to 0.2 m. [ View map ]

Site Description: The site is taken over three highly fissured sandstone platforms which are sheltered from wave action. Sand occurs between the ridges. The upper shore platforms are highly irregular and sharp with many flat stones which are eroded from them. These are strewn around on coarse sand. The platforms of the mid and lower shore are smoother and have been eroded by waves. The shore is fucoid dominated with the mid shore having an extensive Ascophyllum zone with a near blanket cover. The upper shore stones are dominated by Ulva (originally recorded as Enteromorpha), mainly in large shallow pools. The shore is backed by shingle and grassland and a caravan park about 500m to the south. The offshore platforms are a seal haul out.

No images for site.