The Distribution and Abundance of Animals and Plants on the Rocky Shores of Bantry Bay

Abstract

A survey of the rocky shores of Bantry Bay is described. This is intended to serve as a means by which future changes may be detected, as well as providing an account of a hitherto undescribed area of the Irish coast. The abundance of littoral animals and plants was assessed at regular vertical intervals on forty transects, and the distribution patterns of these species are described and discussed in relation to two major environmental variables, emersion and exposure to wave action. The method adopted may be suitable as a standard method for surveying rocky shores, and this is discussed in relation to the objectives of the survey.