Juvenile sand eels can often be found close to shore in shallow sandy areas and also in low shore rockpools that have sandy bottoms. Sand eels play a vital role in marine ecosystems and the fledgling success of many of our breeding seabirds such as puffins and terns depend on them. Whilst sand eels are not exploited for human consumption, they are now a major target for industrial fishing for animal feed and fertilizers. The lesser sand eel is a Northern Ireland Priority Species and is also listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
