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Metadata: 2004 UMBSM Clyde Sea The Role of Maerl Grounds as Nursery Areas for Commercially Important Species with Emphasis on the Queen Scallop (Aequipecten opercularis (L.))
Abstract:
A PhD was carried out at the University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) and submitted to the University of London. The study investigated the maerl ecosystem as a sufficient habitat source for a diversity of species and its potential role as a nursery ground.
Data holder:
University Marine Biological Station (UMBS), Millport
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Use constraints:
DASSH terms and conditions apply (https://www.dassh.ac.uk/terms-and-conditions)
Other details | ||
Internal code | Internally assigned metadata identifier | 5652 |
Title | The title is used to provide a brief and precise description of the dataset such as 'Date', 'Originating organisation/programme', 'Location' and 'Type of survey'. All acronyms and abbreviations should be reproduced in full. | 2004 UMBSM Clyde Sea The Role of Maerl Grounds as Nursery Areas for Commercially Important Species with Emphasis on the Queen Scallop (Aequipecten opercularis (L.)) |
File Identifier | The File Identifier is a code, preferably a GUID, that is globally unique and remains with the same metadata record even if the record is edited or transferred between portals or tools. | ed68814adf1d7b4ec112310ffcc28549 |
Resource Identifier | This is the code assigned by the data owner. | UMBSM9462 |
Resource type | The resource type will likely be a dataset but could also be a series (collection of datasets with a common specification) or a service. | dataset |
Start date | This describes the date the resource starts. This may only be the year if month and day are not known | 2001-12-01 |
End date | This describes the date the resource ends. This may only be the year if month and day are not known | 2003-04-01 |
Spatial resolution | This describes the spatial resolution of the dataset or the spatial limitations of the service. | inapplicable |
Frequency of updates | This describes the frequency with which the resource is modified or updated i.e. a monitoring programme that samples once per year has a frequency that is described as 'annually'. | notPlanned |
Abstract | The abstract provides a clear and brief statement of the content of the resource. | A PhD was carried out at the University Marine Biological Station Millport (UMBSM) and submitted to the University of London. The study investigated the maerl ecosystem as a sufficient habitat source for a diversity of species and its potential role as a nursery ground. |
Lineage | Lineage includes the background information, history of the sources of data, data quality statements and methods. | Live maerl is protected by the EC Habitats Directive (1992). The heterogeneity of dredge and un-dredged maerl grounds was investigated in the Clyde Sea area. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in 1, 2 and 3-dimensional heterogeneity of pristine live maerl and impacted dead maerl by developing rapid analytical techniques. An impacted site was established in a previously dredged site, Stravanan Bay (Isle of Bute) (11m CD). The Caol Scotnish (an arm of Loch Sween) (-4 to -15m CD) was designated as the unimpacted maerl site. Sample maerl were collected by SCUBA diving using hand-held cores. Gravel was collected at Ballochmartin Bay, Isle of Cumbrae, at MHWN. Fine grade sand (siliceous) (125-250 mircons in diameter) was collected from the MHWN on Kames Bay, Isle of Cumbrae. Complexity analyses were performed one day after substratum collection. Substrata was stored in flow-through seawater tanks. Each substratum filled a glass-fronted Perspex container (5 x 10 x 2cm) to mid level. Seawater filled the container. The container was then placed into a white photographic diffusion box. The front of the container was photographed using a Kodak DC240 digital camera (macro mode) with ambient light and at 1280 x 960 pixel image size. The one-plane index for the substratum surface was calculated using analySIS image software analysis (Soft-Imaging Software GmbH). During two-plane complexity investigations, the container was filled with substratum and interstitial spaces were filled with condensed milk. Only solid surfaces of substrata in contact with the glass could be seen. These were similarly photographed. Images were transferred to grayscale (Adobe Photoshop software). AnalySIS image analysis software was used to construct a complexity index. To investigate the three-plane complexity, all substrata were dried at 80 degrees for 24 hours. Each substrata was placed into a graduated beaker with uppermost surface protrusions at the 20ml level and the beaker was filled with seawater to 30ml. 10ml were subtracted from the beaker volume which gave a water volume in 20ml of substratum. Water volume was subtracted from 20ml to give substratum volume. 20ml was then divided by the resultant substratum volume which gave a three-plane complexity index. The attachment of the juvenile queen scallop (Aequipecten opercularis (L.)) to maerl in mesocosm conditions was investigated. The byssal-attachment preferences of juvenile queen scallops to maerl was investigated. Predator related effects to habitat preference were assessed. Juvenile scallops were collected from a commercial grower (Highland Aquaculture, Isle of Skye). Spat were collected on spat bags and grown in lantern nets. Individuals of shell height 18-30mm were obtained in May 2002. Scallops with a shell height of less than 18mm were collected in October 2002. Scallops were transferred to UMBSM in Netlon bags concealed in a polystyrene box which was lined with Fucus sp. Scallops were out of water for less than 6 hours and allowed to acclimate for 1 week in flow-through tanks with food supplements but no natural substratum. Live maerl was collected in Caol Scotnish by SCUBA diving. Dead maerl was collected from Stravanan Bay using a naturalists dredge. Gravel was collected from Ballochmartin Bay at HWM. Fine grade sand was collected from Kames Bay at HWM. Live maerl samples were contained in a high flow (3000l per hour) out-door seawater tank. Other substrata were stored at a lower flow rate of 1000l per hour. A circular tank (diam. 140cm, depth 47 cm) with a central overflow was constructed for the habitat selection experiment. The tank had four 90 degrees segments on the base (3cm in height). Live maerl, dead maerl, gravel and sand were randomly placed in individual segments at a depth of 3cm. Coarsely filtered seawater was supplied to the tank with a counter clockwise circulation (flow 200-300l per hr, temp 13-15 degrees Celsius). Each individual segment had a water nozzle. The tank was illuminated by daylight bulbs (75 watt), with a light regime following ambient sunrise and sunset times. The tank was then left for 12 days to allow the accumulation of biofilm. Two scallop size groups were tested. Those less than 18mm in shell height were trialed from 2002-10-19 to 2002-11-16. The 18-30mm shell height group was trialed from 2002-05-22 to 2002-07-05. Identical protocols were established. Control experiments (no predator) were conducted first. Experimental chambers were flushed between trials. Within the control trial, 125 scallops were randomly delivered on each substratum and monitored every two hours for the first 12 hours and then every 12 hours for the next 72 hours. The number of scallops within 95cm squared quadrats on each substratum were recorded. The total number of individuals within each substratum and associated tank sides were recorded during each observation. Coarsely filtered seawater was supplemented twice daily (0900 and 2100) with 1 litre of concentrated diatom mixture culture (Tetraselmis suecica, Chaetoceros ceratosporum, Skeletonema costatum). Predators used within experiments were the common starfish (Asterias rubens) and the green shore crab (Carcinus maeas). Predator experimets were set up the same as the control. Predators were acclimated to experimental substratum for 1 week within holding tanks and fed Mytilus edulis three days prior to experimentation. During maerl microsite selection experiments live maerl nodules covered the base of a tank one layer deep (diam.20cm, depth 20cm). Coarsely filtered seawater was introduced with a counter clockwise circulation. The experiment was conducted under the same conditions as the habitat selection experiment. The tanks were left for 7 days to allow biofilm development. During control experiments, scallops which were unacclimated to substratum were placed randomly on the maerl in the experimental tank. The position of the scallops was recorded and were give a score for each two position criteria (inter-nodule position, intra-matrix position). During cue utilisation experiments, tanks used in microsite selection experiments were separated into 3 segments with a depth of 3cm. Live maerl, impacted live maerl and dead mearl were placed into individual segments. Tanks were again left for 7 days to allow biofilm accumulation. Ten substratum unacclimated scallops were placed randomly in the experimental tank. The numbers of scallops on each substarum was noted after 24 hours. Experiments were repeated in the presence of A.rubens. Both treatments were conducted using 18-30mm shell height scallops. The Nursery area function of maerl grounds for juvenile scallops and other invertebrates was assessed. Nine sampling sites were selected across the Firth of Clyde, Loch Sween, Loch Carron and Loch Torridon. All sites were less than -14m CD. Live maerl and substrata were surveyed bi-monthly between February 2002 and April 2003 at Caol Scotnish. Other sites were surveyed once in late 2002, early 2003. Juvenile queen and great scallop population densities, on varying substrata were analysed and recorded during timed (5 min) SCUBA transects. Current effects on swimming distance was reduced by carrying out surveys at high or low water. One diver collected scallops at a 1m distance either side. A second diver measured and recorded scallop details (species, time of sighting, shell height and total number of scallops at each transect). Shell height was measured using calipers. Qualitative records of juvenile queen scallops attached to Halidrys siliquosa, laminarias and Chorda filum were also obtained during sampling. The densities of Asterias rubens (Caol Scotnish), Echinus esculentus (Loch Torridon) and Mya arenaria (Loch Torridon) were surveyed in 20m squared transects using SCUBA. At Loch Torridon, Psammechinus miliaris densities were surveyed by SCUBA using 2.5m squared quadrats. The transverse distribution of queen scallops was investigated within 50 x 1m transects (parallel) from west to east. Small and large scale linear scallop distributions were surveyed using a sequence of 50 x 2m transects which were separated by 10m. The time at which each scallop was observed and its height was recorded. The possibility that maerl grounds provide refuge and high growth potential for juvenile queen scallops was investigated. Both laboratory and field experiments were conducted. Three experimental tanks (3 x 0.89 x 0.45m) with three 60 x 89cm compartments were constructed with semi-circulating seawater which was coarsely filtered. Compartments were separated by 8mm diamond mesh (Netlon). Water was input to each compartment. Tank water was re-circulated at a rate of 3000l per hour. Tanks were covered with a solid lid at a 3cm gap height. Live maerl was collected at Caol Scotnish by SCUBA. Gravel was collected from Ballochmartin Bay at HWM and sand was collected from Kames Bay at HWM. Maerl was stored in an out-door tank in a set up as previously stated. Live maerl, gravel and sand were placed into individual compartments of each tank at a depth of 3cm and left for 8 days to allow biofilm accumulation. Fifty juvenile scallops were placed on each substratum replicate. In control experiments, number and position of scallops were recorded at 2, 12 and 24 hourly intervals. Experiments with a predator were performed under the same conditions. Predators were added to the substratum 24 hours after the scallops. Scallops were unacclimated. Predators had acclimated to the substrata for 7 days prior to trials and had been fed 72hours prior to the trial. Observations in experiments with C.maenas were conducted every 2 hours for the first 12 hours and then every 12hours. Observations with A.rubens were conducted as in the control. each predator was used only once. Coarsely filtered seawater was supplemented daily with 2 litres of a concentrated algal culture mix (Tetraselmis suecica, Chaetoceros ceratosporum, Skeletonema costatum). During field experiments (February 2003), 50 scallops were randomly assigned to live maerl, gravel or control groups. On the upper valve of the scallop, an area near the umbo was cleaned using acetone and air-jet dried. A cyanoacrylate adhesive (151 Super Glue) was used to attach a 55cm monofilament nylon tether (0.25mm). The other end of the tether was attached to a labelled 30g teardrop weight. Shell heights between groups were compared. Scallops were stored in flow-through tanks and used 1 day post tethering. Experiments were performed in Caol Scotnish at -7m CD. Two areas, one of live maerl, the other of gravel were chosen at random. Twenty scallops were released at each site by SCUBA in a 4 x 5 array with 50cm between scallops. Scallops within the control group were placed in a modified crayfish creel (Trappy creels) which was fixed on in intermediate substratum. At 24 and 72 hours after deployment, SCUBA observations were conducted. Notes were recorded as to whether scallops were live, missing or preyed upon. Shell heights of wild free living juvenile queen scallops living on gravel and maerl were measured bi-monthly using vernier calipers from December 2001-February 2003. Surveys were performed by SCUBA at Caol Scotnish. An investigation into the role of maerl in the small-scale distribution of juvenile gadoids and mobile benthic macro-invertebrates was carried out. The study was carried out in Caol Scotnish. All study sites were -4 to -7m CD. Distribution maps of the substrata were created with the use of SCUBA. Both gadoids and mobile macro-invertebrates were sampled bi-monthly between March 2002 and April 2003. Fyke nets were used to collect juvenile gadoids which were associated with maerl grounds. Eight double-ended square otter-guarded fyke nets (53cm height, 6m length) with a mesh size of 14mm (leader) and 10mm (net) were used. Nets were deployed by hand from a 5m dory. Nets were deployed during daylight and again at night in the same orientation. The leader was positioned perpendicular to the tidal flow. Sampling periods lasted for 4 days. 12 night and 8 day samples were obtained from live maerl and gravel. 9 night and 6 day samples were collected from rock substrata. After each cycle (day to night), nets were relocated and deployed at other sites. Catch number, fish species and length were recorded. Larger size class gadoid specimens were analyzed for stomach contents within 1 hour of capture following the methodology of Bowden (1996). Visual estimates of gadoids were also recorded by divers during timed (5min) transect swims. Number, species and estimated fish size were recorded. Surveys were conducted at low or high water. Individual fish or shoals of fish observed crossing or in a 2m wide strip were recorded along each 50m transect. The densities of mobile macro-invertebrates were quantified by using 10 x 2m transects and SCUBA. Species and estimated size were noted. Transects were swum by divers during low or high water at a speed of 4-5m per minute. |
Related keywords | ||
Keyword | General subject area(s) associated with the resource, uses multiple controlled vocabularies | Marine Environmental Data and Information Network |
General subject area(s) associated with the resource, uses multiple controlled vocabularies | Habitats and biotopes | |
General subject area(s) associated with the resource, uses multiple controlled vocabularies | Species distribution | |
General subject area(s) associated with the resource, uses multiple controlled vocabularies | Macroalgae generic abundance in water bodies | |
General subject area(s) associated with the resource, uses multiple controlled vocabularies | Shellfish reproduction | |
General subject area(s) associated with the resource, uses multiple controlled vocabularies | Habitat characterisation | |
Geographical coverage | ||
North | The northern-most limit of the data resource in decimal degrees | 55.8167 |
East | The eastern-most limit of the data resource in decimal degrees | -4.8422 |
South | The southern-most limit of the data resource in decimal degrees | 55.6915 |
West | The western-most limit of the data resource in decimal degrees | -5.029 |
Regional sea | Irish Sea | |
Responsible organisations | ||
Role | The point of contact is person or organisation with responsibility for the creation and maintenance of the metadata for the resource. | pointOfContact |
Organisation name | University Marine Biological Station (UMBS), Millport | |
Individual name | Carly Cassidy | |
Postal code | KA28 0EG | |
City | Millport | |
Role | The distributor is the person or organisation that distributes the resource. | distributor |
Organisation name | Data Archive for Seabed Species and Habitats (DASSH) | |
Position name | Data Manager | |
Phone | 01752 633102 | |
Fax | 01752 633291 | |
Delivery point | Marine Biological Association of the UK, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill | |
Postal code | PL1 2PB | |
City | Plymouth | |
Role | The originator is the person or organisation who created, collected or produced the resource. | originator |
Organisation name | DASSH, The Archive for Marine Species and Habitat Data | |
Individual name | Data Manager University of Glasgow | |
Position name | Data Manager | |
Role | The custodian is the person or organisation that accepts responsibility for the resource and ensures appropriate care and maintenance. If a dataset has been lodged with a Data Archive Centre for maintenance then this organisation is be entered here. | custodian |
Organisation name | University Marine Biological Station (UMBS), Millport | |
Individual name | Kathryn Stevenson | |
Postal code | KA28 0EG | |
City | Millport | |
Dataset constraints | ||
20 Limitations on Public Access - Access constraints | otherRestrictions | |
20 Limitations on Public Access - Other constraints | This states any limitations on access to the data and uses free text. | DASSH terms and conditions apply (https://www.dassh.ac.uk/terms-and-conditions) |
21 Conditions for Access and Use - Use limitation | This states any constraints on use of the data. Multiple conditions can be recorded for different parts of the data resource. If no conditions apply, then `No condtions apply` is recorded. This uses free text. | Restrictions apply. Please contact UMBSM for further details. |
Available data formats | ||
Data format | Format in which digital data can be provided for transfer | Documents |
Version info | ||
Date of publication | The publication date of the resource or if previously unpublished the date that the resource was made publicly available via the MEDIN network. | 2004-01-01 |
Harvest date | The date which this record has been (re)harvested from the provider. | 2024-04-14 |
Metadata date | The date when the content of this metadata record was last updated. | 2019-11-04 |
Metadata standard name | The name of the metadata standard used to create this metadata | MEDIN Discovery metadata standard |
Metadata standard version | The version of the MEDIN Discovery Metadata Standard used to create the metadata record | 2.3.8 |