Name: James Kerton

Course: FdSc Marine Science

Brief description of the proposed research:
An oceanographic survey will be conducted with the aim to produce an accurate GIS map of the
distribution of the Eel Grass (Zostera marina) bed located off Penarrow point, Mylor within the Fal and
Helford estuary.
Previous research has shown that this particular bed is reducing in size. The survey will measure the
abundance of Zostera marina and its current health and state compared to that of previous mapped
data.
There is the potential to further use the survey technique to map the surrounding Zostera marina beds
in the Fal estuary.

Brief description of how the proposed research will be carried out:
The data used to create the GIS map will be acquired by conducting a drift transect survey across the
chosen Zostera marina bed. A drop down and water proof housed camera with attached quadrat will
be used to gather continuous live video of the sea bed and any present Zostera marina. The camera
will be deployed behind a survey vessel which will then travel the length of the designated transects.
The video footage will be analysed in conjunction with chart plotting software to determine Zostera
marina distribution in the region.

List of resources necessary to carry out the research:

Suitable survey vessel Falmouth Marine School rib boat or Falmouth Harbour Commissioners
survey boat (subject to availability).
Drop down camera (with video) Falmouth Marine School/Personal.
Transport and trailer for rib Personal vehicle/ Falmouth Marine School.
Chart plotting software Falmouth Marine School.
Materials required constructing, drop-down camera frame.
Laptop.

Costing:
If done independently the costing of the proposed survey would total in the region of 250 at a
minimum. If the survey were to be taken further, mapping more eel grass beds for example then
costing would increase accordingly.

Survey Value:
Zostera marina beds are extremely important but fragile habitat for a large range of organisms. They
are very productive habitats, providing nursery grounds for numerous juvenile species.
Mapping of benthic habitats such as Zostera marina provides vital data to aid in conservation and
management of such areas. It will also aid in understanding and limiting potential impacts of issues
such as estuarine development, the recent plan for the dredging of Falmouth harbour being a prime
example.


Brief description of why you think you should secure the bid for the proposed
research:
Enthusiasm and willingness to gain further experience in oceanographic surveying and
techniques.
Good knowledge base acquired from the first year of studying FdSc Marine Science.
Willingness to conduct survey at minimal costs.
Availably during summer months for data collection.
Local residence and transport to survey area
Related Scientific Journals:
Burdick, D.M. and Short, F.T. (1999) The Effects of Boat Docks on Eelgrass Beds in Coastal waters of Massachusetts,
Environmental Management 23 (2), pp. 231-240 [Online]. Available at
http://www.springerlink.com/content/p62n7nv5jlk0g9wq/ (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Frederiksen, M., Krause-Jensen, D., Holmer, M. and Laursen, J. S. (2004) Spatial and temporal variation in eelgrass (Zostera
marina) landscapes: influence of physical setting, Aquatic Botany 78 (2), pp. 147-165 [Online]. Available at:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304377003001505 (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Frederiksen, M., Krause-Jensen, D., Holmer, M. and Laursen, J. S. (2004) Long-term changes in area distribution of eelgrass
(Zosteramarina) in Danish coastal waters, Aquatic Botany 78 (2), pp. 167-181 [Online]. Available at:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304377003001554 (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Keser, M., Swenarton, J. T., Vozarik, J. M. and Foertch, J. (2003) Decline in eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in Long Island Sound near
Millstone Point, Connecticut (USA) unrelated to thermal input, Journal of Sea Research 49 (1), pp. 11-26 [Online]. Available at:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138511010200196X (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Lathrop, R.G., Styles, R.M., Seitzinger, S.P. and Bognar, J.A. (2001) Use of GIS Mapping and Modelling Approaches to Examine
the Spatial Distribution of Sea Grasses in Barnegat Bay , New Jersey', Estuaries and Coasts 24 (6), pp. 904-916 [Online]. Available
at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/r61672x4265431w4/ (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Moore, K.A. (1999) Seasonal variations in eelgrass (Zosteramarina L.) responses to nutrient enrichment and reduced light
availability in experimental ecosystems, Journal of Experimental Marine Biography and Ecology 244 (1), pp. 1-28 [Online].
Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022098199001355 (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Sotheran, I.S., Foster-Smith, R.L. and Davies, J. (1997) Mapping of marine benthic habitats using image processing techniques
within a raster-based geographic information system, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 44 (1), pp. 25-31 [Online]. Available
at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771497800042 (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Tamaki, H., Tokuoka, M., Nishijima, W., Terawaki, T. and Okada, M. (2002) Deterioration of eelgrass, Zostera marina L.,
meadows by water pollution in Seto Inland Sea, Japan, Marine Pollution Bulletin 44 (11), pp. 1253-1258 [Online]. Available at:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X02002187 (Accessed 12th June 2012)

Urbanski, J.A. and Szymelfenig, M. (2003) GIS-based mapping of benthic habitats, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 56 (1),
pp. 99-109 [Online]. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272771402001257 (Accessed 12th June
2012)

Ward, D.H., Morton, A., Tibbitts, T. l., Douglas, D.C. and Carrera-Gonzalez, E. (2003) Long Term Change in Eelgrass Distribution
at Bahia Quintin, Baja California, Mexico, Using Satellite Imagery, Estuaries and Coasts 26 (6), pp. 1529-1539 [Online]. Available
at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u2727572467vw414/ (Accessed 12th June 2012)