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The effect of cover on in situ predation in early benthic phase European lobster Homarus gammarus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 September 2001

Brendan Ball ,
Adrian Linnane ,
Brian Munday ,
Ronan Browne  and
John P. Mercer
Brendan Ball
Affiliation:
National University of Ireland, Galway, Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, Galway, Ireland
Adrian Linnane
Affiliation:
National University of Ireland, Galway, Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, Galway, Ireland
Brian Munday
Affiliation:
National University of Ireland, Galway, Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, Galway, Ireland
Ronan Browne
Affiliation:
National University of Ireland, Galway, Shellfish Research Laboratory, Carna, County Galway, Ireland
John P. Mercer
Affiliation:
National University of Ireland, Galway, Shellfish Research Laboratory, Carna, County Galway, Ireland
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Abstract

This study examined the role of predation in restricting early benthic phase (EBP) lobsters to shelter-providing substrata. In the field, the survival of animals provided with cover in the form of cobble and gravel substrata was significantly higher than unsheltered controls. Small benthic fish, particularly gobies Pomatoschistus minutus and rockling Ciliata mustela were the primary predators subtidally while crabs Carcinus maenus appeared to be the dominant intertidal predator. Predatory attack primarily occurred within minutes of the lobsters being deployed. The study reinforces the role played by predation in restricting EBP European lobsters to shelter-providing substrata.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 81 , Issue 4 , August 2001 , pp. 639 - 642
Copyright
2001 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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