Coquina Outcrop

The coquina outcrop is a formation of limestone created by coquina clam shells. This image was taken in Fort Fisher, near the Riggins Condo complex. The outcrop is mainly visible at low tide and most of it is completely covered during high tide. The outcrop at Fort Fisher is the only one of its kind in North Carolina. This unique ecological zone provides a habitat to a variety of sea life, such as sea stars, sea urchins, and sea anemones. In addition, many shelled animals make this place their home, including clams, crabs, and sea whelks. For shell hunters, this is a great place to visit because often larger, whole shells get washed to shore due to the wide range of shelled animals living on the outcrop. The coquina outcrop also provides a home to horseshoe crabs and sting rays. The outcrop has a large amount of biodiversity, where each species serves a different ecological purpose. However, with pros come some cons. Researchers have found that the outcrop may cause larger amounts of flooding after storms and can move and displace sand. For more information and to have an encounter with these creatures, check out the Fort Fisher Aquarium coquina outcrop exhibit/ touch pool and this link: sites.google.com/site/islandecology2011/coquina-outcrops

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