The Function and Restoration of Biogenic Reefs Formed by Sabellaria alveolata
The honeycomb worm Sabellaria alveolata is an example of a species that forms large well-consolidated reef structures. However, as the known area of S. alveolata covers less than 0.5 % of the coastline of the United Kingdom it is considered a fairly rare species. Individuals and reefs are typically found on the low to mid-shore of the intertidal zone, but have also been found in subtidal areas. In sufficient densities, individual tubes of S. alveolata coalesce to form biogenic structures that may reach several kilometres in length. These reefs can provide an important habitat for other benthic vertebrates and invertebrates (La Porta and Nicoletti 2009), as well as offering lesser studied benefits, including sediment entrainment/consolidation and potentially reducing wave energy transfer to the top of the shore. The purpose of this data capture was to investigate the role S. alveolata has on coastal dynamics along with providing new baseline data directed towards the monitoring of the biogenic reefs.
- Identification
- Extent
- Distribution
- Quality
- Keywords
- Spatial Reference System
- Content
- Constraints
- Maintenance
- Metadata
Identification
- Identifier
- NRW_DS115295
- Alternative Title
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- Gweithrediad ac adferiad creigresi biogenig a ffurfiwyd gan Sabellaria alveolata
- Metadata Language
- English
- Lineage
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Detailed field observations were undertaken at three reef sites within Wales, see Geographic Coverage for site area. Each of the sites were photographed using aerial photography. Wave attenuation was assessed using high-resolution pressure sensors capable of measuring water depth at less than 5 mm accuracy in water depths of up to 15 m at a rate of four samples per second. Sensors were deployed at the three sample sites in two transects, one sensor before a reef structure and one sensor up shore, above the reef structure. Two sensors were placed at the same shore heights in an area where reef was absent to act as a control. To supplement wave exposure measurements, two further approaches were also employed. The first was plaster clod dissolution. Shore stability was assessed by observing the movement of labelled cobbles at each site. Two lines of cobbles (n = 10) were lain out at identical shore heights across the on and off-reef areas. These were tagged with dGPS with a residence time of 1 minute that provides a post-processed horizontal accuracy of approximately 30 cm. Cobbles were left for several tidal cycles before being located and re-tagged with the dGPS. The distance moved was calculated using great circle distance calculations in Microsoft Excel. Vortex resuspension tanks were also used within the investigation as well as investigating larval settlement and growth through induced spawning.
- Dataset Reference Date (Publication)
- 2013-03-31
Temporal Extent
- Begin date
- 2012-01-10
- End date
- 2013-02-28
- Topic category
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- Biota
Extent
Extent
- Geographic Extent
- Wales (WLS)
))
Vertical Extent
- Medin Extent Keyword
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benthic boundary layer
Distribution
- Format Type and Description
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Documents
Documents
()
- Specification
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The report is held as a Word Document, data is held within Excel spreadsheets and images are held as .jpeg Files.
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Documents
Documents
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Quality
Data quality
- Quality Scope
- Dataset
- Lineage
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Detailed field observations were undertaken at three reef sites within Wales, see Geographic Coverage for site area. Each of the sites were photographed using aerial photography. Wave attenuation was assessed using high-resolution pressure sensors capable of measuring water depth at less than 5 mm accuracy in water depths of up to 15 m at a rate of four samples per second. Sensors were deployed at the three sample sites in two transects, one sensor before a reef structure and one sensor up shore, above the reef structure. Two sensors were placed at the same shore heights in an area where reef was absent to act as a control. To supplement wave exposure measurements, two further approaches were also employed. The first was plaster clod dissolution. Shore stability was assessed by observing the movement of labelled cobbles at each site. Two lines of cobbles (n = 10) were lain out at identical shore heights across the on and off-reef areas. These were tagged with dGPS with a residence time of 1 minute that provides a post-processed horizontal accuracy of approximately 30 cm. Cobbles were left for several tidal cycles before being located and re-tagged with the dGPS. The distance moved was calculated using great circle distance calculations in Microsoft Excel. Vortex resuspension tanks were also used within the investigation as well as investigating larval settlement and growth through induced spawning.
Keywords
Keywords
- Type
- Theme
Citation
- Date (Publication)
- 2008-06-01
Keywords
- NRW Thesaurus
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- sabellaria alveolata
- polychaete worms
- honeycomb worm
- 3rd Party Data
- Third Party Data
- Type
- Theme
Citation
- Date (Publication)
- 2023-12-31
Keywords
- SeaDataNet Parameter Discovery Vocabulary
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- Habitat extent
- Habitat characterisation
- Type
- Theme
Citation
- Date (Revision)
- 2021-01-06
Spatial Reference System
Content
Content Information
NRW Profile
Custom Elements
- NRW Related Title
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The function and restoration of biogenic reefs formed by sabellaria alveolata
Constraints
Constraints
Limitations on Public Access and Use
- Restriction type
- Other restrictions
Access Constraints Directive
- Limitations
- no limitations
Access Constraints Text
- Other constraints
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This dataset was collected by Bangor University as part of a contract for Natural Resources Wales (NRW). NRW may provide access to this dataset on request in some circumstances. However, enquirers are advised to obtain a copy from the owner/originator directly, rather than NRW. NRW may NOT publish or disseminate it in its entirety.
Use Constraints
- Use constraints type
- Other restrictions
- Other constraints
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© Natural Resources Wales (NRW) 2013. NRW does NOT grant permission to third parties to re-use or disseminate this dataset. Those seeking such permission should approach the originator directly.