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Geographic variation in the abundance and morphology of the bryozoan Alcyonidium diaphanum (Ctenostomata: Alcyonidiidae) in UK coastal waters

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 September 2002

J.S. Porter ,
J.R. Ellis ,
P.J. Hayward ,
S.I. Rogers  and
R. Callaway
J.S. Porter
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP
J.R. Ellis
Affiliation:
CEFAS, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT
P.J. Hayward
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP
S.I. Rogers
Affiliation:
CEFAS, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT
R. Callaway
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP CEFAS, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT
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Abstract

The ctenostome bryozoan Alcyonidium diaphanum is widespread and abundant in the coastal waters of England and Wales. It was recorded in 77–90% of beam trawl catches in the eastern English Channel and southern North Sea, and in 53–73% of catches in the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea. The maximum catch rates in these two study areas were 1410 and 751 kg h−1 respectively. Alcyonidium diaphanum was most abundant in the greater Thames Estuary. Additional data from the North Sea indicated that A. diaphanum is widely distributed throughout the southern North Sea. Alcyonidium diaphanum was found intertidally in only seven of 99 locations sampled. Several different morphotypes were observed, ranging from cylindrical to lobate forms. The distribution patterns of various morphotypes are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 82 , Issue 4 , August 2002 , pp. 529 - 535
Copyright
2002 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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