Species:

Marine Mammals
Bats
Other Mammals
Birds
Waders
Ducks, Geese and Swans
Birds of Prey
Other Birds
Fish
Reptiles
Amphibians
Crustaceans
Insects
Molluscs
Echinoderms
Vascular Plants
Lichens
Fungi

Seaweed

Irish waters have one of the richest diversity of seaweeds in Europe. According to current research, Finnavarra in Clare is the area with the highest number of seaweed species in Ireland (about 400 different species). This is due to the mild temperatures and the fact that the sea is relatively clean compared to many other European waters. There are many areas of interest for seaweeds in Clare including Marine Nature Reserves such as Finnavarra and Kilkee. Seaweed was historically used as fertiliser for agriculture and was also collected to eat in Ireland, this continues to a lesser extent today. Extracts from seaweed are used for cosmetics, chemicals and for industrial uses.

Carragheen Chondrus crispus and Gigartina stellata (Mastocarpus stellatus)
Carragheen is actually two different species of seaweed. The two species are widespread and abundant off the coast of Clare. Carragheen is one of the few seaweeds which is eaten regularly in Ireland.
Habitat: Grows on rocks on the coast which are mainly submerged in water.
What could or does threaten the population: Marine pollution.

Kelp Laminaria digitata Kelp is quiet common on the coast of Clare. At low tides Kelp meadows are often exposed. Habitat: Grows on rocks on the coast which are submerged in water most of the time. What could or does threaten the population: Marine pollution.