Seashore

​​​Natural treasure

The 45 miles of coastline around Jersey is arguably the Island's greatest natural treasure. Unlike many land based habitats, the areas between high and low water mark surrounding the Island have remained relatively unchanged since the sea reclaimed the land around the Channel Islands thousands of years ago. 

Spring tides

The seashore in Jersey is subjected to dramatic change every 6 hours due to the Island's unique position within the Bay of St Malo. Over the spring tide periods, which occur approximately every 2 weeks throughout the year, the tide can rise and fall in excess of 40 feet twice a day.

Seashore life

Life forms vary dramatically throughout the various habitats found on the Island's shores, from 'the splash zone' which is wet only on the highest spring tides down to the lower shore which is exposed only on the lowest spring tides. Conditions can be extremely hostile in these areas and many creatures and plants are well adapted in their own ways to survive the rigour of life on the shore. A variety of species have been found on the Island's shores, including over:

• 100 species of fish
• 80 species of worm
• 100 species of crustacean
• 30 species of green seaweed
• 60 species of brown seaweed 
• 140 species of red seaweed 

Seashore leaflet
Seashore rules leaflet
Sandy shores leaflet
Strand line leaflet
Rockpools leaflet
On the rocks leaflet
Coastal wil​dlife watching code