Friday 07 March 2014
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
I am following up a report by a local walker about these curious green pellets at Bordeaux Harbour.
The gentleman in the picture said he had spoken to someone at Environment about them (sorry, I'm not sure who) and they had said they believed they were rare kind of lugworm egg. Looking online, lugworms are common, but their eggs do not seem to be green.
I was hoping someone down there might be able to shed some light on these mysterious things, which have apparently appeared in large numbers at Bordeaux.
Environment Department Response:
These translucent green cocoons are paddleworm eggs and are regularly seen in Guernsey at this time of year, though some species produce during the summer. They should be left in place as they have a thread attaching them to the sand or pebbles, so they shouldn't be removed or pulled up if the larval worm is to survive.
(Richard Lord could give more detailed information on the life cycle and habits of these and similar worms)
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200