Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Monitoring
fish
GCR Site: 2952 Lyme Regis
Interest: Lower Lias Fish
GCR Block: GCR Block Mesozoic - Tertiary Fish/Amphibia
SSSI: Axmouth to Lyme Regis; West Dorset Coast
Site Boundaries: Grid Reference 332700, 90900 - 334100, 91500 & 334500, 91900 - 336300, 92900
Date of Assessment: Autumn 2003
Date of last assessment:
Surveyor (s): Chris Pamplin and Richard Edmonds
Statement of Significance:

Fish remains were at one time common at Lyme Regis, and many specimens from here are seen in museums nationwide. The main horizons yielding fish were the Saurian Shales at the top of the Blue Lias and the overlying Shales with Beef. Over forty species are recognised here, and because of the long history of collecting at this site Lyme Regis is the type locality for many of these. Some are very fine specimens and have been found from nodules from Black Ven. These provide finely preserved three-dimensional specimens. Several species of the sharks Acrodus and Hybodus are known from Lyme Regis where they are represented as complete specimens. Both belong to the hybodonts, which are a group of sharks known from widespread teeth from the upper Palaeozoic to the Cretaceous. This site is the type and only locality for the coelacanth Holophagus gulo and also several species of actinopterygians.

Physical description:
The GCR identifies the cliffs and foreshore of Monmouth Beach from Lyme Regis to Seven Rock Point and Black Ven through to Charmouth
Health and Safety:
The cliffs contain deep and dangerous mudflows, especially during or after wet weather. The mudflows may spill onto the beach and can prevent access or exacerbate the risk of becoming cut off by the rising tide. Cliff falls are a further hazard and cliff falls can occur at any time. The incoming tide floods the beach below the old sea wall just east of Lyme Regis shortly after low tide and it is possible to become cut off here. Always aim to pass this point around low tide and beware, especially in rough weather. The beaches are often rough and boulder strewn. Green weed from the middle shore downward can make the boulders highly slippery.
Access:
From the car park at the Cobb, Monmouth Beach and from Long Entry, on the East side of Lyme Regis (note the warning above) and from Charmouth.
Conservation Objectives, on site:
Key scientifically important specimens are recovered from the eroding cliffs.
Conservation Objectives, off site:
Key scientifically important specimens are accessible to the scientific community.
Key scientifically important specimens are placed in registered museums.
Success indicators:
Key scientifically important specimens are recorded and deposited in registered museums:
The West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct has received six fish records (three category 1).
According to the latest information, none have been placed in museums.
No comments have been received from researchers in this field.
Fixed Point photography:
n/a
Scientific publications and ongoing research:
The Palaeontological Association 'Guide to the Fossils of the Lower Lias' is due to be published in spring 2004
Otherwise unknown
Natural Change:
See GCR 87
Man made change:
Ensure this interest is considered in the continuing development of coast defence plans at East Cliff, Lyme Regis.
See GCR 87
ENSIS unit summary:
UNIT 20 Favourable Axmouth to Lyme Regis SSSI
UNIT 2 Favourable West Dorset SSSI
UNIT 3 Favourable
UNIT 6 Favourable
UNIT 8 Favourable
UNIT 9 Favourable
Comments:
Specimens are being recovered and recorded.
None appear to have been placed in museums.
Heistorically (the last ten years) several specimens have been found at considerably higher levels than those recognised within this GCR unit (principally high in the Belemnite Marls at Seatown).
Monmouth Beach lies outside the West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct and there are no records of any important finds from here.
There is poor signage with regard to fossil collecting on Monmouth Beach.
Other comments:
None received
Sensitivity:
High
Recommended survey period:
Ongoing through West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct. Monmouth Beach, every year.
Overall Assessment:
Favourable
Actions:

Seek greater involvement from researchers in the field.
Promote the recording of specimens from Monmouth Beach.
Examine the issue of signage for Monmouth Beach
Follow up the destination of recorded specimens.
P romote acquisition, preferably in a local museum.
Draw attention to finds from the Belemnite Stone Band.
Continue to represent the interest in the development of plans for future coast defences at East Cliff, Lyme Regis.

Related GCR Blocks:

GCR 800 Axmouth to Lyme Regis Mass Movement

GCR 87 Pinhay Bay to Fault Corner Lower Jurassic Stratigraphy

CGR 916 Lyme Regis Jurassic Reptilia

GCR 794 Charmouth Lower Lias Insects

GCR 1321 Black Ven Mass Movement

GCR 2109 Golden Cap - Lyme Regis Coastal Geomorphology of England

 
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