The rocky shore biology of Bantry Bay: a re-survey

Abstract

A survey of the distribution and abundance of intertidal rocky shore animals and plants of Bantry Bay was carried out in 1970 and 1971 by G. B. Crapp and published in 1973. A re-survey was carried out during 1975 and early 1976 and a number of changes were noted. In an attempt to explain these the possible effects of changing weather conditions, the occurrence of oil spillages and the use of dispersants were examined. In most cases, the changes were not obviously attributable to visible oil pollution and seem more likely to result from a variety of natural factors. The re-survey highlighted a number of problems associated with this type of biological monitoring. The problems are discussed and some alternative approaches suggested.