2. Introduction Sandy sediments are the dominant type of the sea shore along the European coast. They are of prime importance for human recreation, tourism and coastal development, more people use sandy beaches than any other type of seashore. They provide the most productive fishing grounds, are major sources for a variety of raw materials (oil, gas and minerals). While the economic and social values of beaches are generally regarded as paramount, sandy shores also have special ecological features and contain a distinctive biodiversity that is generally not recognized. Beaches also provide unique ecological services, such as filtration of seawater. The intrinsic ecological values and functions of beaches are often perceived as secondary to their economic value. A possible reason is that the study of beach ecology is only now emerging as a theory-driven discipline. Due to the lack of quantitative data, permeable sands are not well represented in coastal management and monitoring programs, and public and policy makers are not aware of their importance. Consequently these environments and their resources are not protected sufficiently relative to their socio-economical value.
3. Sandy shore A sandy beach is made up of minute grains of sand or crushed shells and rock. Because it is grainy, wind and water reshape a beach every day. Sandy shores are exciting places with life in and underneath the water.
