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Range extension and reproduction of the barnacle Balanus perforatus in the eastern English Channel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2003

R.J.H. Herbert
Affiliation:
Medina Valley Centre, Dodnor Lane, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TE
S.J. Hawkins
Affiliation:
Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB Biodiversity & Ecology Division, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO16 7PX
M. Sheader
Affiliation:
SOES, University of Southampton, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH
A.J. Southward
Affiliation:
Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB

Abstract

The distribution of the warm-water barnacle, Balanus perforatus, was surveyed along the south coast of England and the north-east coast of France between 1993 and 2001, repeating work carried out between the 1940s and 1960s. The species has recovered from catastrophic mortality during the severe winter of 1962–1963 and was found over 120 km (UK) and 190 km (France) east of previous records on both sides of the Channel. The presence of the species in the eastern Channel refutes suggestions in the 1950s that larvae, and hence adults, would not be found east of the Isle of Wight because of reproductive sterility close to the limits of distribution. Brooding of specimens translocated to Bembridge, Isle of Wight, commenced in May, earlier than previously observed in British waters, and continued until September. The stage of embryo development at Bembridge in mid-August was comparable to that of the large population at Lyme Regis, Dorset 100 km further west. However the size of brood per standard body weight was greater at Lyme Regis. Factors influencing the rate of colonization and further geographic range extension of the species as a possible result of climate change, are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2003 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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