News
Winter 2019
Aisha O'Connor presented her research on L. hyperborea genetics at the annual BPS meeting in Oban, Scotland!
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Fall 2018
End of IRC grant! Write up on Irish kelp forest ecology continues!!!

Spring 2018
Fluctuation in carbohydrate reserves across age groups in Irish cuvie, Laminaria hyperborea, throughout one year with Dr. Jessica Adams, University of Aberystwyth.

Summer 2018
Genetic Diversity of Laminaria hyperborea populations from the proposed glacial refugia in S. Ireland to northern habitats on the west coast of Ireland. With Dr.  Stacey Krueger-Hadfield (UAB), I have received funding for student Aisha O'Connor to travel to University of Alabama at Birmingham and learn genetic techniques that will aid investigation into the allelic diversity and genetic diversity of kelp populations. 

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IRC project "Closing the knowledge gap on Irish kelp forest ecology"
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This project aims to describe population structure, productivity, and biodiversity of kelp forests along the west coast of Ireland. Aquatic primary producers like kelp provide essential habitats and ecosystem services for coastal communities. In Ireland very little is known about community dynamics within kelp forests and how the ecophysiology of Irish kelp may influence structure and function of these habitats.

Seasonal observations, collections, and measurements are used to answer these queries about Irish kelp forests. The project has many components described below, and is complemented by surveys in non-kelp habitats done in collaboration with SeaSearch Ireland.

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Biodiversity of kelp forest habitats
Habitats in Co. Galway and Co. Clare are   founded by granite type bedrock and limestone respectively. The kelp forest is dominated by Laminaria hyperborea, but also includes species Laminaria digitata (shallow), Sacchoriza polyschides (summer season), and Sacchrina latissima. At first glance the diversity and abundance of animals unique to the kelp sites , and this fluctuates seasonally. Differences across sites are driven by predominance of anemones and cup corals in Co. Galway, but an abundance of sea urchins and sea stars in Co. Clare. Fish populations, including juveniles, increase densities in the summer season in all kelp forests.

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 Productivity
 L. hyperborea growth is
 measured in kelps at all sites from   March 2017 to sporulation and loss of   the phylloid in late
 winter- spring. We do this by punching   holes in  the base of the apical meristem
​ and measuring extension of the blade.

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Environmental monitoring and seasonal recruitment to kelp forests

Environmental characteristics are monitored using Hobo pendant loggers which record PAR and temperature at 5 min intervals at the base of subsurface of moorings. Fish and invertebrate recruitment is monitored by seasonal collections of SMURF and Tuffy (S.O.S.) artificial settlement habitats (SMURFS: large green net, Tuffy: small blue net).

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