DAERA Macroalgae Rocky Shore Surveys

The rocky shore macroalgae survey is annual assessment of the proportions of rhodophyta (red algae), chlorophyta (green algae), and opportunistic macroalgae communities at fixed sites around the Northern Irish coast. Algal populations can alter in numbers and species composition due to external environmental influence, hence they are a useful indicator of anthropogenic disturbances and pollution. Shores are surveyed for presence of specimens against a prescribed list of species (Reduced Species List).Certain sites are also surveyed for a complete list of species present (Full Species List). Data is recorded as presence (1), or absence (""). Data collected contributes to the classification of Northern Irish water bodies under the Rocky Shore Macroalgae quality element of the EU Water Framework Directive. Within DAERA, this work forms part of the Intertidal Rocky Shore work programme (MM(YY)-12).