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Lookup NU author(s): Hannah Earp, Professor Pip MooreORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2023. Artificial structures are an increasingly common feature of coastal marine environments. These structures are poor surrogates of natural rocky shores, and generally support less diverse communities and reduced population sizes. Little is known about sub-lethal effects of such structures in terms of demographic properties and reproductive potential, both of which may influence the dynamics and long-term viability of populations. This study examines the population structure, reproductive states and embryo production of Nucella lapillus populations on artificial structures and natural shores in Ireland and Wales. Population density was measured twice at six natural shores and six artificial structures: once in winter and once in spring. At each sampling, the shell height of 100 individuals from each site was measured. Monthly collections of adult specimens and egg capsules were made at each site from November–January and from March–May, in order to determine sex ratios, reproductive states, and embryo abundances. Artificial structures supported larger individuals and very few juveniles compared to natural shores. Between December and January, natural shores experienced a distinctive pulse in spawning activity followed by a decline in the proportion of females in a reproductive state, whereas on artificial structures the proportion of reproductive females remained relatively stable. Differences observed may be due to a lack of microhabitats on artificial structures, along with subtle variations in structure slope. Eco-engineering interventions, including the addition of refugia such as cracks and crevices, may allow N. lapillus populations on artificial structures to approximate those on natural shores.
Author(s): Thompson B, Brooks PR, Farrugia Drakard V, Kubin F, Earp HS, Alvarez-Cienfuegos I, Moore PJ, Crowe TP
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Marine Environmental Research
Year: 2023
Volume: 189
Print publication date: 01/07/2023
Online publication date: 12/06/2023
Acceptance date: 11/06/2023
Date deposited: 04/07/2023
ISSN (print): 0141-1136
ISSN (electronic): 1879-0291
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106059
DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106059
ePrints DOI: 10.57711/xpqw-w393
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