Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds

Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds
Marine Conservation Zone
Country England
County Norfolk
Length 30 km (19 mi)
Width 10 km (6 mi)
Area 320 km2 (124 sq mi)
Geology Chalk reef
Animal Crabs, sponges, blue mussels,

sea slugs, harbour porpoises,
grey and harbour seals[1]

The Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds are a chalk reef off the coast of Cromer, Norfolk in the United Kingdom, believed to be the largest chalk reef in Europe.[2] Since January 2016, it has been designated as a Marine Conservation Zone.[2]

The chalk beds have an area of about 320 km2, starting 200m away from the coastline and extending about 10 km out into the North Sea, and stretching from west of Weybourne to Happisburgh.[1][3] They are home to more than 350 marine species, including a species of purple Hymedesmia sponge first discovered there in 2011.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds: Recommended Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)" (PDF). wildlifetrusts.org. The Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  2. 1 2 "Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone". wildlifetrusts.org. The Wildlife Trusts. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  3. ↑ "Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone" (PDF). gov.uk. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  4. ↑ "MCS Seasearch divers discover new sponge species". www.mcsuk.org. Marine Conservation Society. 2011-10-10. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
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