1871 map of rich shell beds (IMAGE) University of Plymouth Caption Dating from 1871, this French map describes a large area of the seabed – stretching from Torquay in the west and beyond Lyme Regis to the east – as being home to “rich shell beds”. Scientists believe these are likely to have been oyster or mussel reefs that have long since been destroyed through the use of bottom towed fishing gear during the 20th century Credit Hannah Wisdom/University of Plymouth Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.