The variability in distribution and behaviour of the Edible winkle, Littorina littorea L, in rock pools has been examined on an unpolluted shore. The influence of physio-chemical fluctuations in the pool environment is discussed. Two stretches of polluted coast were then investigated to discover any differences in distribution and behaviour which might be attributable to pollution. A number of experiments were conducted on the shore to observe the response of winkles in pools to the introduction of various noxious chemicals
