The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES/ERI) annual Heritage Week Touch Tank event at Lough Hyne Marine Reserve in West Cork on 24th August, saw over 250 attendees exploring a variety of common marine life found in Lough Hyne and along the coastline.

Professor Rob McAllen extends his appreciation to the Lough Hyne Research Team members: Professor Ruth Ramsay, Dr Mark Jessopp, Luke Harman, and Val Hickey, as well as Oscar, Ben, and Jake. Further thanks are given to Terri Kearney from the Skibbereen Heritage Centre for organising the event and providing pictures, and to Saoirse Higgins for additional photography. 

A surprising highlight from the dive conducted by Professor Rob McAllen and Luke Harman at Whirlpool Cliff was the discovery of a specimen of the Gaping File Shell (Limaria hians), which had not been officially recorded in Lough Hyne since 1992.

The assistance of Dr Julia Nunn in confirming the identification is acknowledged and appreciated. After photos were taken to confirm the identification, the specimen, along with all other animals on display, was carefully returned to Whirlpool Cliff.