Species point records from 1974 University of Dundee Kyle of Durness littoral survey

Nine sites in the Kyle of Durness and approaches form the basis of brief description of the littoral fauna and flora, with an introductory chapter on the enviroment. The Kyle of Durness is predominantly sand in the inner part. Sandflats and sandbanks in the inner Kyle of medium and fine grades had very little macro-infauna, and only Bathyporeia and Eurydice were found. Baluakest Bay had no macrofauna at all. Only small areas of fine sand/muddy sand are present near the river and stream entrances, with Bathyporeia up to 3-6000/m, and little else except Eurydice. A few very localised areas had Corophium, Hydrobia, Cardium, Crangons, Nereis, Nerine and Arenicola. Boulder and shingle beaches occur in the inner Kyle, and bedrock and boulder shores in the outer Kyle. Most rocky shores are barnacle dominated with increasing amounts of Mytilus towards the open sea end. Fucus ceranoides is present at the entrance point of rivers. Reduced salinity in the inner Kyle probably restricts the fauna present. The area must be valued primarily in terms of amenity and aesthetic considerations.