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An enriched Chaetopterus tube mat biotope in the eastern English Channel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 March 2005

E.I.S Rees
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK
M. Bergmann
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK
M. Galanidi
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK
H. Hinz
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK
R Shucksmith
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK
M.J. Kaiser
Affiliation:
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales, LL59 5AB, UK

Abstract

Patches of a very dense tube mat biotope were found during fish habitat studies in the eastern English Channel. At three locations in the lows between linear sand banks off the French coast an un-described small Chaetopterus sp. occurred with small Lanice conchilega as an enriched sediment stabilizing biotope. This biotope was distinct though having similarities to other tide swept sub-tidal biotopes dominated by L. conchilega. Using cameras and side-scan sonar it was seen to overlay heterogeneous cobbles and shell hash with intermittent rippled sand veneer. The patchiness of this enriching biogenic feature contributed to the variability in trawl catches of fish.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2005 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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