Home / Environment / Scottish Loch Flame Shells Stage Remarkable Recovery
Scottish Loch Flame Shells Stage Remarkable Recovery
27 Feb
Summary
- Flame shell beds in Loch Carron have fully recovered.
- Protection as a Marine Protected Area aided restoration.
- Nests support other species and stabilize the seabed.
A vital shellfish population in Scotland's Loch Carron has achieved a full recovery, experts announced recently. Following its designation as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2017, significant progress has been observed in restoring the flame shell beds.
Initial reports from 2017 documented disrupted nests and visible scallop dredge tracks within the Highland loch. However, subsequent examinations revealed that the habitat had successfully repaired itself. A more recent assessment confirmed that the flame shell bed has notably expanded its presence further into the loch.
Flame shells, small saltwater clams, are crucial for marine ecosystems. They construct nests from shells and stones, which in turn support other species and help to stabilize the seabed. The recovery in Loch Carron serves as a powerful example of how decisive conservation action within an MPA can lead to rapid environmental restoration.
