Flame shells reef off Scotland could be world's biggest

[xchrom]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/dec/27/flame-shells-reef-scotland-biggest


Flame shells, or Limaria hians, group together on the sea bed and their nests create a living reef to support hundreds of other species. Photograph: Graham Saunders/Marine Scotland/PA

The discovery of a large shellfish reef on the west coast of the UK could be the biggest find of its kind in the world, experts believe.

The reef, made up of more than 100 million brightly coloured and rare flame shells, or Limaria hians, was found in Loch Alsh, a sea inlet between Skye and the Scottish mainland. It covers an area of 4.6 sq miles (7.5 sq km) and was discovered during a survey commissioned by Marine Scotland. It is the largest known colony of flame shells in the UK and possibly the world, say experts.

The Scottish environment secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: "The seas around Scotland are a hotbed of biodiversity and the clean and cold waters support many fascinating and beautiful species.

"With Scottish waters covering an area around five times bigger than our landmass, it's a huge challenge to try and understand more about our diverse and precious sea life.

[Orrex]

1. Have we found a way to monetize it yet?

That's what we do, right? Monetize things?


k/r for a very cool story.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Sad to say, that is what I was thinking too.

[marble falls]

3. I was thinking, "... more than 100 million ...... and rare flame shells ..." 100,000,000 AND rare...

Quite a distinction when one John Boehner is too much.

[RVN VET]

5. Beautiful!

And, of course, he, and his Party, have already been monetized. Just ask the brothers Koch.

[wordpix]

4. flame shells, the new rage in sushi, should wipe them out quickly