Seasonal changes in the intertidal fish and crustacean populations at Aughinish Island in the Shannon Estuary

Abstract

As part of a baseline study of the intertidal macrofauna of Aughinish Island, monthly samples of intertidal fish and crustacean populations were collected. A total of 13 fish and 7 crustacean species were identified. Of these shrimp Crangon crangon L., the mysids Neomysis integer Leach and Praunus flexosus (Müller) and the goby Pomatoschistus microps (Krøyer) were the most common and widespread species. Seasonal variation was apparent with low numbers in winter and spring increasing significantly in summer and autumn with the on-shore migration of adults and the recruitment of juveniles.