Comann na Mara - Society of the sea

For some years, the giant Sea Eagles, descended from the Norwegian ones in Rhum, have been nesting successfully near to Lochmaddy Bay.They soar majestically and swoop down to pick up fish that have been inflated and thrown out for them. This year, they have raised two chicks and they have been ringed by RSPB.

Tidal rapids in Lochmaddy ( © Sue Scott)

Lochmaddy Special Area of Conservation

Loch nam Madadh is a European Marine Site (Special Area of Conservation) and is renowned for its large range of rare habitats and species, which are all contained in one loch system. The features of European importance include : lagoons (or Obs), the large shallow inlets and bays, reefs, shallow subtidal sandbanks, intertidal mudflats, sandbanks and otters.

Loch nam Madadh lagoon, large shallow inlet and bay together show the complete transition from sheltered freshwater lochans to moderately exposed fully marine conditions. The reefs, shallow subtidal sandbanks, intertidal mudflats all occur within the large shallow inlets and bay habitat which covers an area of some 2000 hectares.

Within this area there are 21 islands and over 200 smaller islets and intertidal reefs. These create a maze of narrow channels through which the sea races as the tide ebbs and floods. This is what is known as tidal rapids.

The mouth of the bay is 1.5 kilometers wide, where the maximum depth of the entire bay is reached at 40 metres. The large intertidal and subtidal surface areas of the convoluted coastline, islands, islets and reefs, coupled with varying depths, hydrodynamic and salinity regimes have allowed an extremely diverse group of biological communities to become established.

Hard rock substrates provide good holding for plants and animals while the sheltered muddy or sandy inlets, washed by the tides , allow rapid growth of burrowing worms and shellfish. These in turn provide good feeding for birdlife and a healthy population of otters.

Contact :

Comann na Mara
Taigh na Hearradh
Lochmaddy
Isle of North Uist
HS6 5AE

Tel 01876 500224

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