When talking about the amazing animals of the sea, many people will be quick to imagine the biodiversity found in the likes of the Great Barrier Reef and the Amazon River. But let’s not forget about the excitingly diverse range of species living on coasts much closer to home right here in Tynemouth.
In our St Mary’s Island exhibit, we look to celebrate some of the animals thriving in the North Sea. From colourful anemones to small cold-water sharks, you’re about to become an expert on our local wildlife. So, next time you go to the beach, keep your eyes peeled for some of the animals you see in this exhibit and count how many you can spot.
Current Water Temp
<12°C / <53.6°FWater Type
Salt Water
Climate / Biome
Temperate
In This Exhibit
1 inverts, 14 fish, 5 elasmos
Where are we?
British Isles
St Mary’s Island history
St Mary’s Island is a prominent local landmark named after the large white lighthouse that sits upon it. Found just off the northeast coastline between the golden sand beaches at Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay, this part-time island is a treasure trove of rockpools, clifftops, beaches and wetland habitats.
St Mary’s Lighthouse was built in 1898, although its original purpose is often up for debate with many arguing that the lighthouse is purely for religious reasons and others believing it was used to help warn cargo ships of the rocky coast.
In between tides, the island can be accessed by following the path from Curry Point. But be warned, it’s a long swim back to shore if you get caught at high tide! The island is a popular spot for rock pooling and observing the local wildlife, including wild seals.
If you’re curious to learn more about the island’s origins and history, the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages are home to a visitor centre where you can do just that.
What will I find in this exhibit?
From anemones and sea stars to sea bass and wrasse, a wide range of sea creatures call the Tynemouth shoreline home. And with our natural look St Mary’s Island exhibit and rockpool area, we’re proud to be able to showcase the diversity of these animals. Not only can you observe their natural behaviours and instincts, but you can also learn more about why the species choose our UK waters as their habitats.
With the constantly changing tide around the island, there are plenty of rockpools that create the perfect home for starfish and crustaceans as they are safe from their predators. As you travel further out to sea, the water deepens quickly, providing plenty of space for bigger fish and even small sharks to thrive.
Anemones are the corals of the cold waters, and these intelligent plants can adapt to live in temperate waters. They also play a crucial role in our ecosystems. Many believe that the British Isles has one of the best anemone collections in the world, and with over 70 species known to inhabit our waters, that’s hard to argue against!
Here is our full list of species found in the St Mary’s Island exhibit:
Invertebrates:
- Pin cushion sea star
- Spiny sea star
- Common sea star
- Common sea urchin
- Beadlet anemone
- Snack lock anemone
- Dahlia anemone
Fish
- Rock cook wrasse
- Shanny
- Coley
- Sea bass
- Flounder
- Grey mullet
Elasmobranch
- Undulate ray
- Lesser-spotted dog fish
- Bull huss
Crustacean
- Spiny Lobster
The excitement of this exhibit doesn’t end with the species you can find here, either. Take a look around, and you’ll find a beautiful wall mural proudly displaying St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay.
Who would enjoy this exhibit?
This exhibit is great for all visitors, regardless of whether you live local to St Mary’s Island or are visiting from somewhere else. If you’re interested in learning about marine life on the UK’s coastline, you’re sure to have fun delving deeper into the lives of each species you can find here.
Accessibility
On your visit to Tynemouth Aquarium, this is one of the first exhibits you’ll come across. St Mary’s Island exhibit is fully accessible, so everyone can enjoy exploring and learning about the wonderful species inhabiting the local waters.
