Join us for a week of marine recording on the shores and in the sublittoral of beautiful Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. How many species can be found in seven days?
Strangford Lough is the only Marine Nature Reserve in the United Kingdom (Lundy Island & Skomer are now technically Marine Conservation Zones), with many important intertidal and sublittoral habitats, and on-going conservation concern over the decline of Modiolus beds and associated species.
Historically Strangford Lough has been a significant research area for marine biologists, with ~1500 marine species recorded. Of these, more than 280 species of mollusc have been recorded living from the Lough. More up-to-date and detailed recording would be welcome. A recent survey for marine aliens has resulted in a number of new species records and extended distributions. More information concerning these species within the Lough would be very timely.
Logistically, it is an easy area to survey and host a field trip, as Portaferry, the principle town on the Ards Peninsula, has a Marine Station Laboratory (Queen’s University Belfast). The Laboratory can accommodate up to 40 scientists, and is available without cost to any participant. Strangford Lough is normally sheltered from bad weather.
There is a wide range of accommodation to suit any requirement. There are good transport links to Northern Ireland via ferries and airports. There are also easy links to travel through the Republic of Ireland.
As well as morning intertidal trips to a variety of shores, there is also a chance to take part in Seasearch diving and subtidal collecting. There will be an informal forum for the exchange of knowledge concerning identification of marine species and habitats.
Please click for more information on costs, accommodation, directions and for the booking form: Blitz the Lough! 2013.
Centre for Environmental Data and Recording and Seasearch NI