Publication Abstract

The distribution, relative abundance and diversity of echinoderms in the eastern English Channel, Bristol Channel and Irish Sea

The distribution, relative abundance anddiversity of echinoderms in the eastern English Channel, Bristol Channel and Irish Sea

J.R. Ellis and S.I. Rogers

The distribution and relativeabundance of macroepibenthic echinoderms in the eastern English Channeland Irish Sea is described from beam trawl catches. Echinoderms accountedfor approximately 29% (by biomass) of fauna captured. A total of 24species were recorded, including 12 species of starfish. The mostfrequently encountered species were Asterias rubens and Psammechinusmiliaris, which were recorded at 85.5% and 56.0% of stationsrespectively. Asterias rubens and Ophiothrix fragilisaccounted for 63.7% and 25.5% (by biomass) respectively of the echinodermssampled. Mean echinoderm catches ranged from 0.8-kg h^{[minus sign]1}in the north-eastern English Channel to 329-kg h^{[minus sign]1}in the south-eastern Irish Sea. The echinoderm fauna was more diverse inthe St George's Channel and western Irish Sea (6.7-7.0 species haul^[minussign]1) than in the north-eastern English Channel (1.9 species haul^[minussign]1).

Reference:

J.R. Ellis and S.I. Rogers. 2000. The distribution, relative abundance and diversity ofechinoderms in the eastern English channel, Bristol Channel and Irish Sea. Journal of theMarine Biological Association 80:127-138

J.R. Ellis* and S.I. Rogers*

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 80:127-138