Orca
Orca, sometimes known as ‘killer whales’, are unmistakable with their black and white markings. Although we do have a small group of orca who live in British waters, you would be lucky to see them!
Not just water
The sea can seem like just a huge expanse of water – vast, deep and maybe a little scary. But a huge variety of habitats can be found here. Close to shore, rocky reefs create rockpools that teem with anemones and starfish, while further out to sea, deep-water corals provide nursery sites for many of our commercial fishes such as cod.
Kelp forests support numerous species from tiny plankton to large fish, and living reefs (made entirely of organisms like mussels or tubeworms) provide food and shelter for marine wildlife. In the shallows, seahorses and bass hide among underwater meadows of seagrass.
Deep-sea mud plains may look barren and lifeless, but they are home to all kinds of sea life like bristleworms, spider crabs and lobsters. Shallow mudflats are a feeding ground for waterbirds at low tide, and sand and gravel beds are important for crustaceans like shrimps, and for spawning fish, which burrow into the seabed for protection.
Seas are under threat
As a result of its richness, our marine environment is under threat. Overexploitation of fish stocks is causing the decline of many once-familiar species. Pollution from sewage discharge, oil spills and nutrient run-off is extremely toxic to sea life, while physical disturbance from dredging, mobile fishing gear, boat anchoring and coastal development are also taking their toll on marine habitats.
Species in Marine habitats in Kent
Moon jellyfish
The moon jelly is the most common jellyfish in UK seas, often washing up on our beaches. No need to worry though - it doesn't sting humans.
Edible periwinkle
Edible periwinkles are a common sight when rockpooling and can be found in huge numbers on the shore.
Lesser weever fish
One of the only venomous fish to be found in British waters, the lesser weever fish is certainly one to watch out for!
Common seal
The smaller of our two UK seal species, common seals are also known as harbour seals. Despite being called "Common", they are actually less common than grey seals!
Shore crab
This crab is common around all of the UK. If you've ever been rockpooling or crabbing, it's probably the shore crab that you've met.
Atlantic salmon
The Atlantic salmon spends most of its life at sea, but makes an epic journey back to the river or stream in which it hatched to spawn. Look out for it in freshwater rivers in the north and west.
Humpback whale
The humpback whale is making a comeback, with more and more individuals being seen in UK seas every year. They are well known for their acrobatic behaviour - so don't be surprised to see them breach clear of the water!
Nursehound
The nursehound is a nocturnal predator, hunting smaller fish close to the seafloor.
Rainbow trout
With a silvery body, and purple, pink and bluish streaks down its flanks, the rainbow trout lives up to its name. Popular with anglers, it is actually an introduced species in the UK.
Eel
The eel is famous for both its slippery nature and its mammoth migration from its freshwater home to the Sargasso Sea where it breeds. It has suffered dramatic declines and is a protected species.
Our reserves with marine habitats
Sandwich and Pegwell Bay
Listen to the rolling waves on the sand and shingle, breathe in the saline scents of the saltmarsh, and watch the wonderful wildlife this very important and sensitive National Nature Reserve has to offer.
Types of marine habitat in Kent
Seagrass
Habitat
Meadows of seagrass spread across the seabed, their dense green leaves sheltering a wealth of wildlife including our two native species of seahorse.
Learn more about marine habitats
National Marine Week 2025 - Celebrating Our Coast with Partners and the Public
Blog
Protected Area Warden Nina Jones reflects on this year's National Marine Week: a lively celebration of Kent’s marine and coastal environment. Kent Wildlife Trust hosted a varied programme of events across the county, from the rocky shores of Folkestone’s…
National Marine Week: Meet the Coastal Explorer Interns!
Blog
Adonis Blue Environmental Consultants (ABEC) is a part of the wider Kent Wildlife Trust Group. This National Marine Week, let's explore what the ABEC Coastal Explorer Interns have been up to in their first month with us!
Seabed secrets: 6 lesser-known marine species
Blog
National Marine Week is our celebration of UK seas! From 26th July - 10th August 2025 we'll be showcasing the 'Secrets of our Seabeds'. One of these secrets are lesser-known marine species.