FIELD HANDOUT F&L TECHNIQUES 2ND YEAR AFMB 04/02/2016

A Niche habitats on a Rocky Shore

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. You will be proficient in identifying the characteristic brown algae on the shore through their
key characteristics.
2. You will be able to recognise zonation on a shore.
3. You will become aware of how best to display/synthesise your raw data
4. You will be able to apply simple statistics to your data to help determine if you will accept or
reject your hypothesis.
5. You will be able to present your research in a scientific report format

AIM: TO COMPARE THE SPECIES COMPOSITION OF EPIBIONTS ON A BROWN ALGAE, E.G. FUCUS
SERRATUS, WITHIN A ZONE

A) Visual Survey of the shore

1. Each group must choose a Transect line down the shore [i.e. from the upper strand
line to the lower water edge]. Record GPS co-ordinates.

2. To determine the exposure of the shore:

a. Identify all brown seaweeds present and their position on the shore
b. What is the % of the most abundant brown seaweed?
c. Identify the barnacles on the shore using key provided. Is the same species
found throughout the transect?
d. Record the red seaweeds Mastocarpus stellatus & Porphyra if present

Looking at the Ballintine scale (below) give your shore a number based on this information:
1 being very exposed & 8 very sheltered.

FIELD HANDOUT F&L TECHNIQUES 2ND YEAR AFMB DR RISN NASH

 FIELD HANDOUT F&L TECHNIQUES 2ND YEAR AFMB 04/02/2016

Now known as Saccharina latissima

Barnacles

FIELD HANDOUT F&L TECHNIQUES 2ND YEAR AFMB DR RISN NASH

FIELD HANDOUT F&L TECHNIQUES 2ND YEAR AFMB 04/02/2016

B) Determine if Fucus serratus plants act as a Niche or microhabitat

1. Divide the Fucus serratus zone into 3 by eye (upper, mid and lower).
2. Randomly (use Random numbers pages) select 4 plants from each of upper, mid and
lower area of Fucus serratus zone.
3. Place each plant into a separate bag: gently lift plant and from the tip of the fronds
place inside the bag. Lastly use a butter knife to separate the holdfast from the rock.
4. Write label externally on bag (permanent marker) and place an internal label
(written in pencil) inside bag. Secure bag with elastic band to ensure nothing
escapes!

Typical Labelling
Barna west of pier (Site), 28/01/16 (date)
Transect A (Transect #), Fucus serratus (specimen)
Upper (location within zone), RN (surveyor initials)

FIELD HANDOUT F&L TECHNIQUES 2ND YEAR AFMB DR RISN NASH