What animals can I find in Gibraltar’s rock pools, and how can I explore without harming them?

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Gibraltar’s rocky shores hold limpets, crabs, anemones, starfish, sea urchins, small fish and periwinkles, as well as one of Europe’s best populations of the endangered Mediterranean ribbed limpet. Look but do not collect: taking marine animals is prohibited without a permit, and the ribbed limpet is strictly protected.
Rocky shores around the Rock, including those near Camp Bay, Little Bay and the Europa foreshore, support a diverse community of intertidal life. At low tide you can find several species of limpet, small crabs, sea anemones, starfish, sea urchins, periwinkles, topshells and small fish such as blennies sheltering in pools.
Gibraltar is especially important for the Mediterranean ribbed limpet (Patella ferruginea), one of the most threatened marine species in the Mediterranean. GONHS describes the Rock as holding Europe’s healthiest population. It is a large limpet with strongly ridged edges, often found high on rocks and harbour breakwaters. It is protected under the Nature Protection Act, and deliberately taking, injuring or disturbing one is a criminal offence.
To explore responsibly, go at low tide and watch the waves and the incoming tide. Wear shoes with good grip, as rocks are slippery. Look into pools without removing animals, and if you lift a small rock, put it back exactly as you found it. Never prise limpets or other animals off rocks, and do not take shells, animals or seaweed home. Collecting marine life is prohibited without a permit under the Marine Protection Regulations.

What animals can I find in Gibraltar’s rock pools, and how can I explore without harming them?

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Exploring responsibly