Well worth getting down to the beach for
Young rock poolers discover rare Mediterranean sea hare species on Plymouth shore - Marine Biological Association
A very unusual marine discovery has been made at Plymouth’s Mount Batten Beach during The Rock Pool Project’s monthly BioBlitz Battle. Two keen young rock poolers taking part in the citizen science event found specimens of the depilatory sea hare (Aplysia depilans), a species usually only seen in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic. It is possible that warming waters and increased storms have allowed for this species to make themselves more at home on our shores.
One of the sea hares was discovered by five-year-old Charley Taviner, who joined the BioBlitz Battle for the first time.
Charley’s dad, Chris Taviner, said: “For what I initially thought was seaweed, this has taken a surprising turn! If it wasn’t for my son Charley chasing after a large crab, we wouldn’t have found it.”
This discovery perfectly captures what The Big Rock Pool Challenge is all about, which is to inspire curiosity and action by engaging communities in hands-on citizen science and strengthening their connection to local coastal environments.
Posted On: 03/02/2026
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