EastSolent-Oct2011

Monitoring one of the Hanson extraction sites with HWT

Dark and murky on Hanson #2 Hornwrack (Flustra foliacea, L) and Haliclona oculata (?, R).	Mixed animal 'turf' Sponges (Dysidea fragilis, Amphilectus fucorum, Polymastia penicillus), anemones (Actinothoe sphyrodeta) and a couple of Hinia shells for scale	Sponge gardens Chimney sponge (Polymastia penicillus) (plus Raspailia ramosa, Dysidea fragilis etc.) all covered in silt	Bryozoan? Small (ca. 1cm) branched bryozoan (?) and sponge (Raspailia ramosa) - not very large!	Strange 'blob' #1 Ascidia ?virginea sea-squirt
Strange 'blob' #2 Colonial ascidian (?) (surrounded by the usual Dysidea fragilis, Raspailia ramosa, Spirobid worms etc.)	Strange 'blob' #3 Strange brain-shaped mass - colonial ascidians?! Quite firm to the touch (like silly putty...)	Typical seabed Mixed gravel/shell/sand seabed with small hydroids and non-native ascidian ( Styela clava)	Fossil (front)... Front view of fossilised Trionyx (turtle) scute. These are very easy to find on the beaches of the Isle of Wight.	Fossil (back)... Rear view of fossilised Trionyx (turtle) scute.