Review of current and historical seabed biological time-series studies in the UK and near Europe
Hiscock, K. and Kimmance, S.
Ninety-two seabed biological surveys that include time-series data have been identified, reports and papers inspected, relevant persons questioned and a description of each study entered to a Microsoft® Access database
Ninety-two seabed biological surveys
that include time-series data have been identified, reports and
papers inspected, relevant persons questioned and a description of
each study entered to a Microsoft® Access database.
All of the 92 datasets reviewed and detailed in the database
include some information that is useful in interpreting temporal
change and 36 datasets that include(d) data collected in a
systematic manner over many years are identified that could form a
part of a network of surveillance sites in the UK.
Many data sets indicate a high degree of constancy in the
biotopes and species present at a location against a background of
change in some component species. That change is often not
synchronous between sites that are similar in character, making
identification of 'reference' sites where natural change can be
compared against change due to human activities difficult.
A further series of studies identified in the text but not
generally included in the database are resurveys of locations
sampled more than 50 years ago. Some of these surveys reveal
changes most likely brought about by fishing and
eutrophication.
Several datasets from single surveys are identified that might be
repeated to indicate long-term change.
Many of the surveys undertaken to study effects of
perturbation, usually pollution, provide information that is useful
in identifying potential indicator species. Such information is
needed to support work being undertaken towards implementation of
the Water Framework Directive.
Where change has been described and interpreted, a short
summary is included in the notes in the database. More work is
required to catalogue those interpretations and to make them widely
available.
The evidence collected suggests that some time-series studies
may need to be undertaken over a period of fifty years or more if
some natural fluctuations are to be identified.
It is inevitable that existing time-series studies will not
provide the full network of sites that might be appropriate to
monitoring change and obtaining contextual information to interpret
change in SACs etc.
The authors are aware that the survey of time-series studies
is not complete and encourage the continued input of information to
the database.
Please cite as: Hiscock, K. and Kimmance, S., (2003), Review of current and historical seabed biological time-series studies in the UK and near Europe, Report issued 10 March 2003, JNCC Report 336, ISSN 0963 8091