The application of remote sensing to monitor loss of kelp habitat along the Sussex coastline

In Summer 2020 Alex Briggs undertook a masters thesis project at Imperial College, supervised by Chris Yesson. Abstract Kelp forests, one of the most biodiverse habitats on earth and holding a high ecosystem service value, are declining globally due to climate change and anthropogenic fishing activities. Despite these threats, kelp distributions are often unmonitored, preventing …

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Nuance and Numerosity: Organellar genomes reveal intraspecific variation between four populations of Corallina officinalis (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)

In 2019 Imperial masters student Xueni (Linka) Bian conducted a thesis project to assemble, annotate and analyse the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of Corallina officinalis. Abstract I assembled both the mitochondrial and plastid genomes of four latitudinally widespread populations of Corallina officinalis. I sought intraspecific variation patterns across the two sets of four closely-related genomes, …

Reflections on the mechanical harvesting of kelp: science, environmental change, wider thoughts and a way forward

by Juliet Brodie 9th November 2018 Revised 19th June 2019 Introduction Kelp forests are biologically remarkable marine habitats.  They occur in cold and temperate shallow coastal waters and are one of the most productive habitats on the planet (Birkett et al., 1998). Supporting an immense diversity of organisms (Christie et al., 2003), acting as nurseries …

The Azores: a tale of whales, seaweeds and drones

It was 10:25 in the morning and my flight was leaving in 5 minutes. “What was going on in your mind?”, I wondered while running at full speed and possibly doing the best workout in my life. Arriving at the gate, I still remember the words echoing in my head: “30 seconds and you would …

Falkland Islands marine forests: discovering biodiversity in the South Atlantic

Seaweeds are a vital natural resource in the Falkland Islands, a UK Overseas Territory in the southwest Atlantic. The entire coastline of this remote archipelago, which includes nearly 800 separate islands, is fringed by ‘marine forests’ consisting of an extraordinary array of different seaweed species. These seaweed-dominated ecosystems are vital for the functioning of the …

Population structure in the red calcifying alga Corallina officinalis in the North Atlantic: implications in a time of global climate change

In 2018 Henry Glynn conducted a masters research project using SNP markers to analyse population genetic patterns of Corallina officinalis in the Northeast Atlantic. This is a follow-up to a previous project. Abstract The intertidal zone consists of a variety of habitats providing shelter and resource for a wide array of wildlife including commercial species. Red coralline algae …

Isle of Wight: monitoring seaweed with drones

On Monday the 23rd of April, we ventured out to the Isle of Wight. Also known as “Dinosaur Island”, it is famous for its dinosaur fossils and beautiful coasts. It is less known, however, for the rich seaweed communities which surround the island. Many people may grumble, turn around and leave once they find out …

What’s the best way to monitor kelp? The fun/efficiency trade-off

Kelp occupies the subtidal of our shores. In coastal ecosystems, kelp form habitats, providing food and a home for countless species. Their importance in coastal ecosystems is great, as is their commercial value to harvesters. HOWEVER, kelps face a wide range of pressures from harvesting to invasive species and climate change. Rising sea surface temperature (SST) …

Remote sensing of kelp: novel methods for mapping and monitoring wild kelp resources

The executive summary from a report for The Crown Estate, piloting novel methods for mapping and monitoring kelp resources in the northeast Atlantic. Executive summary Kelp (Laminariales) are large brown, habitat-forming macroalgal (seaweed) species. Their large biogenic structure and ‘forest-like’ nature provide nursery and feeding grounds for a rich diversity of associated flora and fauna, …

Population genetics of the calcifying algae, Corallina officinalis

In 2017 Teresa Vale conducted a master’s research project using SNP markers to analyse population genetic patterns of Corallina officinalis in the Northeast Atlantic. This is a follow-up to this previous project. Abstract Calcifying macroalgae are an integral part of marine communities but they are significantly vulnerable to ocean acidification caused by an increased uptake of …