Poole Bay Maerl Density and Distribution Survey from 2000 Diving Quadrats

Poole Bay in Dorset, UK, was surveyed in summer 2000 to quantify live maerl density and distribution. Over 110 samples were collected by divers using quadrats during slack neap tides, dried, and weighed. The data was provided by Dr Ken Collins to the Dorset Environmental Records Centre and has been used in subsequent reports.

Use Cases

• Modeling maerl bed density distribution based on the quantitative dive survey methodology
• Assessing environmental impact for coastal infrastructure projects based on the survey's original purpose
• Studying the effects of tidal currents on benthic community distribution based on the described sampling strategy
• Calibrating or validating broader habitat maps using the confirmed general distribution pattern from drift dives

Strengths

• Over 110 quantitative samples provide a measure of maerl density
• Survey methodology is described in detail, including timing around slack neap tides and 100m diver spacing
• Data has been incorporated into subsequent reports, suggesting peer review and reuse

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified

Provenance

Source

Dr Ken Collins, provided to Dorset Environmental Records Centre

Collection Method

Quantitative diving survey using 0.5m2 quadrats, with samples dried and weighed

Time Range

Summer 2000

Freshness

Data collection was in summer 2000; subsequent report incorporation date is unknown.

Geography

Poole Bay, Dorset, UK