Calvadosia campanulata - stalked jellyfish by Mark Bretherton
Mark Bretherton

Fascinating discoveries by Kent “Shoresearch” citizen scientists in 2024

Wildlife experts also raise concerns over invasive species recorded

Stalked jellyfish, white hedgehog sea slug and the invasive Pacific oyster have all been recorded on Kent’s coastline in 2024 thanks to the Kent Wildlife Trust’s citizen science initiative ‘Shoresearch’.

The data collected by Shoresearch volunteer citizen scientists across intertidal zones along the Kent coast help to provide invaluable insights into the health of our coastal ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

During 2024 Shoresearch volunteers conducted surveys at nine key locations along the Kent coast, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), and Special Protection Areas (SPA). 

These surveys produced the following key findings:

  • Over 160 species recorded: Volunteers identified an average of 53 species per survey, with Walpole Bay showcasing the highest species richness (79 species).
  • Invasive species identified: Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas), Asian shore crabs (Hemigrapsus takanoi), and Japanese wireweed (Sargassum muticum) were recorded at multiple sites. Pacific oysters were found in seven out of nine surveys.
  • Fascinating discoveries:
    • Stalked jellyfish (Calvadosia campanulata) at Botany Bay.
    • White hedgehog sea slug (Acanthodoris pilosa) at Epple Bay.
    • Green sea urchins (Psammechinus miliaris) at Walpole Bay.
    • Spider crabs (Maja brachydactyla) at St Margaret’s Bay.

The success of Shoresearch 2024 is a testament to the dedication of volunteers who recorded vital data at key coastal locations, contributing significantly to our understanding of intertidal ecosystems. Throughout 2023 a staggering 150 volunteers contributed a total of 369 hours of their time.

Surveys spanned a diverse range of habitats, including: Botany Bay (Broadstairs), Cheyney Rock (Sheerness), Epple Bay (Birchington), Joss Bay (Broadstairs), Lower Leas (Folkestone), Nayland Rock (Margate), Samphire Hoe (Dover), St Margaret’s Bay (Dover) and Walpole Bay (Margate).

The project also included a special “Sea More About Seaweed Day,” led by renowned seaweed expert and volunteer Ian Tittley. This event highlighted the diversity and importance of seaweed species along the Kent coast.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Max Renton said: "We are incredibly proud of the work our Shoresearch citizen scientists accomplished in 2024. Their dedication has provided us with invaluable data, from recording over 160 species across nine key locations to uncovering fascinating finds like stalked jellyfish at Botany Bay and green sea urchins at Walpole Bay.

“These insights not only highlight the biodiversity along the Kent coast but also emphasise the urgent need to address the growing presence of invasive species like Pacific oysters and Asian shore crabs. This data is critical for protecting our marine ecosystems and shaping conservation efforts for the future."

Next year, Shoresearch will expand its efforts by incorporating quadrat biodiversity surveys, enhancing data collection on species abundance and habitat health. These advancements will allow us to track long-term changes and compare current data with records dating back to 2004.

Join Us in 2025

Kent Wildlife Trust is inviting new volunteers to join our mission to protect and monitor Kent’s coastal ecosystems. If you’re interested in participating in Shoresearch 2025, please contact Max Renton at [email protected].

About Shoresearch

Shoresearch is a national citizen science initiative by the Wildlife Trusts, empowering volunteers to monitor intertidal zones and contribute to marine conservation efforts. By collecting vital data, the project helps safeguard the UK’s coastal environments for future generations.

Max Renton