Guidance

Invertebrates

Updated 13 June 2023

1. Species

The offences and protections listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) from 0 to 12 nautical miles are for (unless stated):

  • pink sea fan (Eunicella verrucosa) – section 9(1), 9(2) and 9(5)
  • startlet sea anemone (Nematostella vectensis) – section 9
  • Ivell’s sea anemone (Edwardsia ivelli) – section 9
  • marine hydroid (Clavopsella navis) – section 9
  • northern hatchet shell (Thyasira gouldi) – section 9
  • trembling sea matt (Victorella pavida) – section 9
  • tentacled lagoon worm (Alkmaria romijni) – section 9(4)(a)
  • lagoon sand shrimp (Gammarus insensibilis) – section 9(4)(a)
  • De Folin’s lagoon snail (Caecum armoricum) – section 9
  • lagoon sea slug (Tenellia adspersa) – section 9
  • lagoon sand worm (Armandia cirrhosa) – section 9
  • fan mussel (Atrina fragilis) – section 9(1), 9(2) and 9(5)

2. Offences

Offences Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Kill or injure X (does not apply to tentacled lagoon worm or lagoon sand shrimp)
Take X (does not apply to tentacled lagoon worm or lagoon sand shrimp)
Possess X (does not apply to tentacled lagoon worm or lagoon sand shrimp)
Damage or destroy place of shelter or protection X (does not apply to pink sea fan or fan mussel)
Disturb X (does not apply to pink sea fan, fan mussel, tentacled lagoon worm or lagoon sand shrimp)
Transport or possess for sale, offer or expose for sale or advertise for sale X (does not apply to tentacled lagoon worm or lagoon sand shrimp)
Use prohibited method to take or kill X (does not apply to lagoon sand shrimp)

3. Further information

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)

4. Contact information

4.1 Marine Conservation Team

0300 123 1032

conservation@marinemanagement.org.uk