Abstract
Nine major intertidal sites in Orkney and nine in Shetland were visited to
determine the presence of Alcyonidium spp., together with other bryozoans,
ascidians, hydroids and sponges, and salient ecological characteristics.
Alcyonidium gelatinosum and A. hirsutum were widespread and abundant on
fucoid and other algae; A. diaphanum (mainly subtidal) was found
occasionally; A. polyoum was not found and is presumed absent. The
distributions are discussed. The associated sessile fauna from the shores is
listed. Certain sites were faunistically very rich: the rocky spit in the Bay of
Ham, Rousay and St. Peter’s Bay on the mainland, in Orkney, and the narrow
channel between Muckle Roe and the mainland and the narrow passage of
Bridge End between East and West Burra, in Shetland, were outstanding and
should be conserved.
determine the presence of Alcyonidium spp., together with other bryozoans,
ascidians, hydroids and sponges, and salient ecological characteristics.
Alcyonidium gelatinosum and A. hirsutum were widespread and abundant on
fucoid and other algae; A. diaphanum (mainly subtidal) was found
occasionally; A. polyoum was not found and is presumed absent. The
distributions are discussed. The associated sessile fauna from the shores is
listed. Certain sites were faunistically very rich: the rocky spit in the Bay of
Ham, Rousay and St. Peter’s Bay on the mainland, in Orkney, and the narrow
channel between Muckle Roe and the mainland and the narrow passage of
Bridge End between East and West Burra, in Shetland, were outstanding and
should be conserved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 129-146 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | The Shetland Naturalist |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |