Study

Can transplanting enhance mobile marine invertebrates in ecologically engineered rock pools?

  • Published source details Morris R.L., Martinez A.S., Firth L.B. & Coleman R.A. (2018) Can transplanting enhance mobile marine invertebrates in ecologically engineered rock pools?. Marine Environmental Research, 141, 119-127.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Transplant or seed organisms onto intertidal artificial structures

Action Link
Biodiversity of Marine Artificial Structures

Create 'rock pools' on intertidal artificial structures

Action Link
Biodiversity of Marine Artificial Structures
  1. Transplant or seed organisms onto intertidal artificial structures

    A replicated study in 2016 on an intertidal seawall in Sydney Harbour estuary, Australia (Morris et al. 2018) reported that 18–79% of mobile invertebrates transplanted into rock pools created on the seawall remained in and around the pools, depending on the species. After one day, on average, 60% of transplanted topshells Austrocochlea porcata remained in pools (30%) and on seawall surfaces around pools (30%). Between 73–79% of transplanted periwinkles Bembicium nanum remained in (23–29%) and around (50%) pools. Only 18% of transplanted starfish Parvulastra exigua remained in pools and none around pools. Topshells, periwinkles and starfish were collected from natural rock pools and transplanted into artificial pools created at midshore on a vertical sandstone seawall. Ten individuals of each species were transplanted into each of three pools on each of two occasions during January–February 2016. Transplanted animals remaining in and around pools on the seawall were counted during low tide after one day.

    (Summarised by: Ally Evans)

  2. Create 'rock pools' on intertidal artificial structures

    A replicated, controlled and site comparison study in 2013–2015 on two intertidal seawalls in Sydney Harbour estuary, Australia (Morris, Martinez, Firth & Coleman 2018) reported that rock pools created on the seawalls supported similar mobile invertebrate and fish species richness to seawall surfaces without pools, and different community composition with lower richness compared with natural rock pools. Over 18 months, a total of 10 mobile invertebrate and fish species groups were recorded in created pools, 10 on seawall surfaces without pools, and 32 in natural pools (data not statistically tested). Five species groups (4 mobile invertebrates, 1 fish) recorded in created pools were absent from seawall surfaces without pools. After 18 months, community composition differed in created and natural pools (data reported as statistical model results). Rock pools were created in December 2013 by attaching concrete pots to two vertical concrete and sandstone seawalls. Five half-flowerpot shaped pools (top diameter: 315 mm; volume: 7 l; depth not reported) were attached at midshore on each seawall. Pools were compared with seawall surfaces (details not reported) and with natural rock pools, cleared of organisms, on a nearby reef. Mobile invertebrates and fishes were counted in three created and natural pools and on seawall surfaces during low tide over 18 months.

    (Summarised by: Ally Evans)

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