WILDLIFE IN THE STRAIT

The Menai Strait is a unique environment that boasts an exceptional array of marine life and is of significant ecological importance. The Strait connects the Irish Sea to the north and the Menai Bay to the south, forming a narrow and sheltered channel that is home to a rich and diverse range of marine species.

The Menai Strait is renowned for its remarkable sponge and sea worm populations. The area is home to over 50 species of sponges, which play an essential role in maintaining the ecological health of the region. Sponges are filter feeders, which means they filter the water and remove harmful particles, such as pollutants, heavy metals, and excess nutrients. The removal of these harmful particles helps to maintain water quality and sustain the diverse range of marine life in the Strait.

Sea worms are also a significant part of the marine ecosystem in the Menai Strait. The area is home to over 100 species of polychaetes, which are a type of segmented marine worm. These worms play an essential role in the nutrient cycle by breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the water, which supports the growth of other marine organisms. The Menai Strait is also home to a variety of fish species, including sea bass, mackerel, and herring, which are important commercial and recreational fishery resources. The area also provides an essential breeding and feeding ground for seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and cormorants, which nest on nearby cliffs and islands.

The unique ecology of the Menai Strait is heavily influenced by its geography and hydrodynamics. The Strait's sheltered waters create an ideal environment for marine life to thrive, while the strong tidal currents and mixing of waters between the Irish Sea and Menai Bay bring in a rich supply of nutrients and support a diverse range of species.