Habitat Study Of Belfast Lough Foreshore

Rachel Bennett, 4Q

Introduction:-

We decided to survey the Belfast Lough Foreshore at Jordanstown to investigate the habitat, and establish the types of creatures living there along a fixed straight line reaching approximately 21 metres from the upper shore (not usually covered with water) to the Lower Shore (covered with water unless there are very low tides)

Prediction:-

Based on existing knowledge, I expected to find mussels, sandworms, seaweed, crabs, periwinkles, and limpets. I expected these organisms to live mainly in damp areas, rather than in dry areas

Planning:-

We decided that when we got to the beach, we would select points at equal intervals marked out along a straight line. This would be marked out by rope. We would position a quadrant (0.5m2) at each of these points and count the number of organisms in each area or estimate the percentage coverage of the area if the organism was seaweed. The temperature and light intensity was to be recorded on a “LogIT Datameter 1000” We made sure it was a fair test by everyone using the same size of quadrant, measuring at equal distances along the rope and everyone measuring with the quadrant touching the rope. We also chose an area that was partly dry, partly damp and partly wet.

Method:-

We chose a line of approximately 21 metres long and marked it out with rope. We then chose a starting point, plugged the sensors into the dataloggers and switched them on. We then placed our quadrants (0.5m2) on a point against the line and either count the number of organisms in each area or estimate the percentage coverage of the area if the organism was seaweed. We then recorded temperature, light intensity and the organisms present. We chose points at equal intervals along the line. I recorded points every 2 metres. The results of my investigation are ...