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Small-scale variation within a Modiolus modiolus (Mollusca: Bivalvia) reef in the Irish Sea. II. Epifauna recorded by divers and cameras

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2008

W.G. Sanderson ,
R.H.F. Holt ,
L. Kay ,
K. Ramsay ,
J. Perrins ,
A.J. McMath  and
E.I.S. Rees
W.G. Sanderson*
Affiliation:
Countryside Council for Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, Wales, LL57 2DN, UK
R.H.F. Holt
Affiliation:
Countryside Council for Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, Wales, LL57 2DN, UK
L. Kay
Affiliation:
Countryside Council for Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, Wales, LL57 2DN, UK
K. Ramsay
Affiliation:
Countryside Council for Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, Wales, LL57 2DN, UK
J. Perrins
Affiliation:
ExeGISis, The Old Smithy, Point Lane, Cosheston, Pembroke Dock, Wales, SA72 4UH, UK
A.J. McMath
Affiliation:
Countryside Council for Wales, Maes y Ffynnon, Ffordd Penrhos, Bangor, Wales, LL57 2DN, UK
E.I.S. Rees
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Ynys Mon, Wales, LL59 5EY, UK
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: W.G. Sanderson Countryside Council for Wales Maes y Ffynnon Ffordd Penrhos Bangor, Wales LL57 2DNUK email: [email protected]
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Abstract

The spatial heterogeneity of epifauna on a Modiolus modiolus reef off north-west Wales was investigated using divers. The community associated with these horse mussels was similar to that described previously from Loch Creran and the north basin of Strangford Lough. Some differences in epifauna may be attributable to the less sheltered nature of the site. Modiolus modiolus numbers and the associated epifaunal community were significantly different between ridge and trough sub-habitats. Troughs can be considered ‘reduced’ ridge communities whereas ridges have high densities of horse mussels and certain sessile taxa were correlated with their abundance. Modiolus modiolus aggregation as a competitive response to the feeding environment, enhanced food availability on ridges and sediment deposition amongst mussel clumps may start to explain the undulating bed-form. Patchiness in community composition and periodic cover by ophuroids has implications when considering the monitoring of the horse mussel community. Stratified, in situ recording of the highly populated ridges could improve the statistical sensitivity of monitoring horse mussel reefs whilst simultaneously focusing on the more sensitive indicators of fishing threats.

Keywords

Modiolusbiogenic reefbiohermepifaunaIrish Seacommunity heterogeneitymonitoringindicatorSACconservation management
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 88 , Issue 1 , February 2008 , pp. 143 - 149
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2008

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