On the diversity and distribution of a data deficient habitat in a poorly mapped region: The case of Sabellaria alveolata L. in Ireland

Firth, LB, Curd, A, Hawkins, SJ, Knights, AM, Blaze, JA, Burrows, MT, Dubois, SF, Edwards, H, Foggo, A, Gribben, PE, Grant, L, Harris, D, Mieszkowska, N, Nunes, FLD, Nunn, JD, Power, AM, O'Riordan, RM, McGrath, D, Simkanin, C and O'Connor, NE 2021 On the diversity and distribution of a data deficient habitat in a poorly mapped region: The case of Sabellaria alveolata L. in Ireland. Marine Environmental Research, 169, 105344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105344

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Abstract/Summary

Data that can be used to monitor biodiversity through time are essential for conservation and management. The reef-forming worm, Sabellaria alveolata (L. 1767) is currently classed as ‘Data Deficient’ due to an imbalance in the spread of data on its distribution. Little is known about the distribution of this species around Ireland. Using data archaeology, we collated past and present distribution records and discovered that S. alveolata has a discontinuous distribution with large gaps between populations. Many regions lack data and should be targeted for sampling. Biodiversity surveys revealed that S. alveolata supported diverse epibiotic algal communities. Retrograding (declining) reefs supported greater infaunal diversity than prograding (growing) reefs or sand, suggesting that S. alveolata is a dynamic ecosystem engineer that has a lasting legacy effect. Similar research should be carried out for other Data Deficient species, habitats and regions. Such data are invaluable resources for management and conservation.

Item Type: Publication - Article
Subjects: Aquaculture
Data and Information
Marine Sciences
Divisions: Marine Biological Association of the UK > Other (MBA)
Depositing User: Tamar Atkinson
Date made live: 11 Feb 2022 10:44
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2024 16:57
URI: https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/9570

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