Seaweeds are remarkable organisms for studying climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and changes in their distribution are observed through temporal analyses studies. Using the same methodology as a report written in 2002 that surveyed seaweed and kelp populations in the Berwickshire Marine Reserve (BMR), this dissertation surveyed the same sites, Ebb Carrs and Wuddy Rocks, creating a temporal analysis of these sites 21 years later. Additional sites that have not been surveyed previously, Pettico Wick and Fast Castle, were surveyed in 2023 using the same methods to create baseline data for future monitoring at these sites. The percentage cover of Rhodophyta (red algae), Chlorophyta (green algae) and Phaeophyceae (brown algae), and red encrusted algae, as well as the number of large and juvenile kelp were examined at each site. 

Two sample student's t-test was used to statistically analyse the percentage cover of each algae taxa between the 2002 and 2023 data. Results of the statistical analysis tests concluded that Wuddy Rocks showed no significant changes in algae or red encrusted algae percentage cover. Ebb Carrs showed decreased red algae, but increased green algae cover between 2023 and 2002. Across both sites, red encrusted algae remained consistent, and kelp decreased over 21 years. These variations are influenced by ocean acidification, increasing sea surface temperatures, and the El Niño phase. 

Significant variability was observed in the percentage cover of algae between Ebb Carrs, Wuddy Rocks, Pettico Wick, and Fast Castle in 2023, demonstrating these sites cannot be compared in future research. This demonstrates that the BMR marine protected area consists of microhabitats and is a heterogeneous ecosystem. The heterogeneity of this ecosystem is attributed to pressures experienced in the North Sea, atmospheric shifts, and nearby sewage discharge. 

This dissertation contributes to the growing literature of the importance of surveying seaweed over time. Additionally, this paper enhances the understanding of the ecosystem diversity and ecological threats of the BMR, which can inform management and conservation initiatives to better protect this region.

See more here: The Benthic Mission 2023 – Project Baseline UK