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 …

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 …

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 …

The effects of past, present and future climate change on the red algae Corallina officinalis within the North Atlantic

In 2016 Amy Jackson conducted a master's research project testing SNP markers to analyse population genetic patterns of Corallina officinalis. Abstract Anthropogenically driven climate change is projected to influence a vast number of species. Of particular concern to oceanic acidification and ocean warming are the red calcifying macroalgae, Corallina officinalis. Due their vulnerability to climate change …

Quantifying intertidal macroalgae abundance using aerial photography on the Isle of Wight

In 2015 Thomas Bell conducted a master's research project examining the use of remote sensing data to monitor change in seaweed habitat. Highlights Adapted pre-existing public RGB photographic record for new purpose SVM modelling able to separate different habitat classes using RGB DN values Isle of Wight intertidal macroalgae abundance has increased in the 21st century …

Developing Spatially Transferable Models of Intertidal Macroalgae Distribution…

In 2015 Rachael Holmes conducted a master's research project examining the use of remote sensing data to monitor change in seaweed habitat. Abstract Remote sensing has high potential for the provision of information about the abundance and distribution of intertidal macroalgae species. Remote sensing can inform biodiversity conservation activities such as those outlined in the European …

Developing a tool for the monitoring of seaweed habitat change: Thanet coast a case study

In 2014 Lauren Ash conducted a master's research project examining the use of remote sensing data to monitor change in seaweed habitat. Abstract Large brown seaweeds are essential components of marine ecosystems and economically important. With rising temperatures and ocean acidification, seaweed habitat communities are at risk. Seaweed habitats are greatly understudied, possibly due to …

Methods applied to UK kelp monitoring and implications for wild harvesting

The executive summary from a report for the Crown Estate reviewing methods of monitoring Kelp abundance. Executive Summary Kelp forests are an important feature of the British coastline, covering approximately 19,000 km2. Levels of biodiversity living in this habitat-forming biomass rival that of tropical rainforests. Kelp also has commercial uses in pharmaceuticals, food, and fertiliser, amongst …