Project Description

Have you seen a dogwhelk, purple topshell or toothed topshell on the coast of Ireland? If you have, Ecostructure Observatory would love to hear about it! They are collecting information on the effects of climate change and coastal defences on these three species of rocky shore snails.

As the Earth’s climate changes, warming seas and milder winters are allowing species previously found only in southern and western parts of Ireland and Britain to survive further north and east. On rocky seashores, various species of seaweeds, snails, limpets, barnacles and sea anemones are being found in places where they have never been recorded before. Monitoring these changes is important, as it helps us to understand the impact that climate change has upon our coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Like to get involved? You will find more information on the study and what’s involved with snail species recording here.

You will find a guide to these shells and the seaside survey here.