442d99927484ddc2c69955605db149e5 English dataset Carly Cassidy University Marine Biological Station (UMBS), Millport Millport KA28 0EG carlycassidy@hotmail.co.uk pointOfContact 2019-11-04 MEDIN Discovery metadata standard 2.3.8 4326 2002 UMBSM Clyde Sea Effects of Algal Structural Complexity on Associated Motile Epifaunal Communities 2002-01-01 publication UMBSM9463 A PhD was carried out at the University Marine Biological Station Millport and presented to the University of London. The study investigated the effects of algal complexity on the ecology of motile epifaunal and assessed the effects of algal structure on epifaunal communities. Philip Smith University Marine Biological Station (UMBS), Millport Millport KA28 0EG philip.smith@millport.gla.ac.uk originator Kathryn Stevenson University Marine Biological Station (UMBS), Millport Millport KA28 0EG kathryn.stevenson@millport.gla.ac.uk custodian notPlanned Documents Marine Environmental Data and Information Network Species distribution GEMET - INSPIRE themes, version 1.0 2008-01-06 revision Macroalgae generic abundance in water bodies SeaDataNet P021 parameter discovery vocabulary 2009-11-16 revision Permission to copy, or reproduce the contents of this report is granted subject to citation of the source of this material otherRestrictions DASSH terms and conditions apply English biota Charting Progress 2 Sea Areas 2009-06-18 creation Irish Sea -4.9433 -4.9055 55.7347 55.7500 1997-10-01 2000-05-27 Data Archive for Seabed Species and Habitats (DASSH) Data Manager 01752 633102 01752 633291 Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill Plymouth PL1 2PB dassh.enquiries@mba.ac.uk distributor dataset The thesis is comprised of five experimental studies. Six experimental and collecting sites were identified within the Firth of Clyde. Five sites were located on the Isle of Cumbrae. One site was located on Little Cumbrae Island. The fractal dimensions of intertidal marine macroalgae and the composition of their associated epifauna was investigated in relation to tidal emersion. During this investigation, three study sites were established on the Isle of Cumbrae which were associated with wave exposure. The three study sites were the Outer Eilean in Newton Bay, Farland Point and Farland Bight. The sites have a ranking of 4 on the Ballantine's scale. Three macroalgae species were collected at each site (Cladophora rupestris, Laminaria digitata and Fucus serratus). Macroalgae species were chosen based on their physical appearance and their presence (and position) at each study site. All samples were collected near mean low water neaps (MLWN). Samples were taken during high tide and low tide in April 1998 and collected by hand or SCUBA when necessary. During diving collections, individual algae were cut from substratum surfaces using a knife or scissors (Sea Snips, Sea and Sea Ltd) and collected into plastic bags (30x 20cm) and sealed with elastic bands. Epifaunal escape during sampling of algae was not observed. Plastic collection bags were then transferred to net bags for transportation. Plastic fish boxes were used to support samples. During each dive, seabed macro fauna observations were conducted. Observations were recorded using a white PVC writing surface and a pencil or alternatively an underwater camera (Nikonos V Sub-Sea 50 flashgun, 35 mm lens (Sea and Sea Ltd)) was used with Ektachrome 200 ASA film and a standard macrophotography kit. At low tide, samples were gently removed from rock ad placed into plastic bags and sealed. Each sample was preserved in 5 percent formalin in seawater within the plastic bag for 24 hours. Supernatant was poured through a 75 micron mesh brass sieve. Macroalgae was placed into a white tray and the plastic bag was washed out with fresh water and passed out through the sieve twice. The seaweed was also washed with fresh water, three times. Epiphytic algae and epifauna were removed and washed and again passed through the sieve into a 250ml labelled glass jar. Samples were stored in 70 percent ethanol. Seaweed was labelled and placed into the bag and retained for wet weight and fractal dimension analysis. Samples were touch dried using paper towels and weighed (Mettler PE160 digital balance). Macrofaunal identifications (species level) using preserved samples were carried out under binocular light microscopy. Samples contained seaweed fragments and mucilaginous residue from which fauna had to be separated. A 20 percent subsample was achieved with the supplementation of 70 percent alcohol to a known volume (225ml). Macrofauna and macro-detritus were removed and placed into a Petri dish with 70 percent alcohol. Samples were stirred using a pippette. A 1ml sample was taken from the bottom of the Petri dish and transferred to another for analysis. The process was repeated until 45 ml of the sample had been removed. Several species from the samples were examined under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Retained faunal samples were rehydrated in 30 percent ethanol then dehydrated in 60 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent ethanol, for use in scanning electron microscopy, at 20 minute intervals. Specimens were mounted on stubs with adhesive tabs and placed into a desiccator overnight. Specimens were covered in a double-layer of gold/palladium (50nm) using a Polaron E5100 series two sputter coater. Stubs were viewed under JEOL JSM-5200 scanning microscope (15 kV). A Mamiya camera fitted to the microscope took micrographs on black and white negative film (Kodak PXP 6057), exposed at ISO 125. Films were developed for 6 minutes (at approximately 20 degrees) in a Kodak T-Max developer. Fractal dimensions og macroalgae samples were measured using the method stated in Davenport et al. (1999). Photographic slides were taken of each algal species using a Nikon camera and Kodak EPN 5058 colour film and drawings of species frond edges were made using a camera lucida. The duration of emersion and the effects which emersion time had on macroalgae and its associated epifauna was investigated. The effect of tidal emersion was examined from samples located at three positions: Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN), Mean Tidal Level (MTL), Mean High Water Neaps (MHWN). Fucus serratus was investigated at MLWN, Cladophora rupestris at MTL and Pelvetia canaliculata at MHWN. Sampling was conducted at Farland Bight on 2000/05/27 during spring tides according to sampling methods as previously discussed. Sampples were returned to the laboratory preserved by methods previously stated. Migration in response to emersion was investigated via observations made in situ using SCUBA and P.canaliculata. Specimens collected at low tide and were 70-120mm in length. 15 samples were transplanted at each level (MLWN, MTL, MHWN). Samples were secured onto rocks with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Samples were transplanted (at LWN) onto open rock or barnacle cover adjacent to natural populations. Samples were retrieved two days later at high and low tide. Control samples of unmanipulated natural specimens were collected during low tide and preserved. Fractal analysis was performed with a modified variation of the method previously stated. A Kodak DC240 camera was used to take digital photographs and printed directly onto A4 paper. The effects which the structural complexity and diel activity of macroalgae has on epifauna was investigated. Sampling of the three algal species took place during 2000/05/25-2000/05/27 every 12 hours (during neap tides). Samples were collected at Keppel Slip. The three species under investigation were Desmarestia aculeata, Laminaria saccharina and L. digitata. One complete alga, including holdfast represented a sample. A temporary guideline into the slip was created and secured from a pipe at the base of the slip way to 30cm cubed concrete blocks at approximately 5m intervals and terminated at a saltwater intake pipe. A study area of 20m x 10m was created which gently sloped from sea level to a depth of -5m Chart Datum (CD). During daylight dives, glowsticks were attached to secure lines above the concrete blocks, floating at a height of 30cm and activated at each night dive. Sampling methods follw those previously stated with the exception of a red torch (UK400, Underwater kinetics Ltd) used during night dives. Photographs were taken using a Nikonos V camera, Sub-sea 50 flashgun (Sea and Sun Ltd), Ektachrome200 ASA film and standard macrophotography kits for the 35m lens. Samples were transported back to the laboratory and preserved. Fractal indices were determined using methods as previously stated. Seasonal effects on algal-associated epifaunal communities were investigated. F.serratus, D. aculeata and L.saccharina were investigated. Samples were collected from Keppel Pier by SCUBA between January to October. Sample collection and preservation was conducted as previously stated, however F.serratus were collected at high tide. Fractal analysis was performed according to the previously stated modified method. The effect of depth on associated epifauna was investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of settlement depth, due to the sinking o pseudo-driftweed on epifauna community structure. The study site was Sheanawally Point on Little Cumbrae. F.serratus, L. saccharina and O.dentata were used during the study. Samples were placed at depths of 0m, -10m, -20m, -30m Chart Datum (CD). Four wooden frames (2m x 2.5cm x 5cm) were constructed to form a 2 x 2m square. Four holes were drilled into each frame arm (25cm from the edge) at 50cm intervals. Nylon cord connected opposing holes. At each cross point a steel carabiner was attached to ensure samples were secured to the frame. Three of the frames were secured to 2m x 1m x 0.75m stainless steel frames with swivels attached to the end of the frame. A buoyed length of 10mm polypropylene rope with a length of 150 percent x deployment depth was secured to the swivel for 20m and 30m depth apparatus. The frame deployed at 0m was buoyed at each corner and secured to the swivel of the 10m apparatus with 15m 10mm polypropylene rope attached to each corner. Algal samples were taken from Keppel Pier on the morning of apparatus deployment. Extra replicates were collected to be used as controls and were subsequently preserved. Samples were placed in 10mm mesh nylon net bags at Sheanawally Point and attached to the constructed frames. Three replicates of each species was attached to the carabiners of each frame, including three replicate empty net bags. Samples were attached to the frame in a Latin square design. Samples were retrieved on 1999/09/07 following previous methodology. Sampling, preservation, faunal identification and fractal analysis follow previously described methods. Macrofauna were identified to species level where possible.