The status and ecology of reefs ofSerpula vermicularis L. (Polychaeta: Serpulidae) in Scotland

Abstract

1. The distribution and abundance of reefs of Serpula vermicularis was examined in Loch Creran, the only known remaining site of reefs of this species in Scotland. In view of the decline in populations elsewhere, the aims included assessment of the importance of the Scottish population in terms of conservation of the reef habitat and the establishment of a baseline against which future changes could be gauged. A further objective was to determine appropriate conservation management of the reefs by examining the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors. 2. Reefs were largely restricted to a depth range of 1–13 m. Factors controlling the depth distribution are discussed. 3. Serpula vermicularis reefs colonized a variety of substrata, but predominantly grew on lamellibranch shells on a seabed of muddy sand. There was some evidence that reef abundance was influenced by the availability of suitable substrata. 4. A belt of scattered reefs fringed much of the coastline of the loch with profuse reef development at two sites, where reef coverage exceeded 10% of the seabed. In terms of total abundance of Serpula vermicularis reefs, Loch Creran represents the major world site for reef development. It is concluded that the reefs of Loch Creran are of significant nature conservation importance and grounds for the establishment of conservation management are discussed. 5. Reef development is apparently curtailed in areas of strong currents and high flushing rate. There is evidence that human activity has adversely influenced reef growth through the discharge of organic factory effluent and the physical disturbance caused by mooring ground tackle. Scallop dredging also represents a significant threat to the persistence of serpulid reefs. Methods of minimising damage to this rare and fragile feature are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SubtidalGaleolaria hystrix(Polychaeta: Serpulidae) reefs in Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, New Zealand

“…Here we have found a Galeolaria species in a relatively sheltered subtidal environment, forming patch reefs. Although there are cool-and cold-water occurrences of similar subtidal serpulid patch reefs, from Ardbear Lough, Ireland (Bosence 1979) and Loch Creran, Scotland (Moore et al 1998) to the South Georgia Shelf in Antarctica (Ramos & San Martin 1999), none of them include the Southern Hemisphere genus Galeolaria. This is the first observation of a Galeolaria species as a primary frame-builder forming subtidal patch reefs.…”

Short-Lived Aggregations of Filograna/Salmacina Tube Worms in the Gulf of Oman

“…These worms may thrive in conditions that are unfavourable to many other marine fauna [11,12]. The aggregations often develop in sheltered areas, sometimes at salinity levels outside the normal oceanic range [9,13], and with limited water movement facilitating larval settlement [14].…”