| one publication added to basket [230315] | The regional recovery of Nucella lapillus populations from marine pollution, facilitated by man-made structures
Bray, S.; McVean, E.C.; Nelson, A.; Herbert, R.J.H.; Hawkins, S.J.; Hudson, M.D. (2012). The regional recovery of Nucella lapillus populations from marine pollution, facilitated by man-made structures. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 92(7): 1585-1594. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315411001317
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Keywords |
Imposex
Indicators
Pollution > Water pollution > Marine pollution
Tributyltin
Nucella lapillus (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]; Nucella lapillus (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Dogwelk; Recolonization; Sea defences; Marine pollution indicator |
| Authors | | Top |
- Bray, S.
- McVean, E.C.
- Nelson, A.
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- Herbert, R.J.H.
- Hawkins, S.J.
- Hudson, M.D.
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| Abstract |
The dogwhelk Nucella lapillus experienced localized extinction in the 1980s and 1990s due to the use of tributyltin (TBT) antifoulants, causing imposex in females. The aim of this study was to establish the extent of the return of the species across the mainland coast of central southern England as TBT use has been progressively restricted, and to quantify the extent of imposex impact on the populations present. We surveyed from Poole to Selsey where isolated populations had become extinct, and the Isle of Wight where some populations had persisted. We found evidence that since TBT restrictions, recolonization and colonization by N. lapillus has been rapid. By 2007–2008, of the eleven surveyed mainland sites, seven were colonized, although indications of reduced imposex impacts were mixed. Distribution had also extended on the Isle of Wight and populations were larger with less imposex impact in sites with long term populations. The lack of continuous suitable habitat blocks and the hydrodynamic complexity of the region, leads us to hypothesize that recovery has been facilitated by man-made structures which may be acting as ‘stepping stones’. Populations that have become established on engineered structures such as sea walls, breakwaters and rock groynes demonstrate accelerated recovery in the region as TBT in the environment has generally declined. Sites with suitable substrates and food sources near to ports were either not recolonized or had small populations with imposex evident. For species with a short pelagic larval stage or with direct development, population connectivity between patches of harder substrata along hydrodynamically complex coastlines may be greater than previously thought. |
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