Research Document - 2009/047
Experimental tests of Littorina Herbivory on the Basin Head Form of Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)
By H. Vandermeulen
Abstract
Basin Head is a small lagoon on the eastern shore of Prince Edward Island. The Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus Stackhouse) in the lagoon has not been faring well over the past few years. Various hypotheses have been brought forward to explain the recent loss in biomass from this red alga. Field and laboratory experiments were performed to test herbivory pressure on the Irish Moss. Littorina is the primary herbivore in the area of the Irish Moss bed in the lagoon. The snail was placed in close contact with the alga in field cages and laboratory tanks, with no significant detrimental effect on the Chondrus. The secondary effects of eutrophication in the lagoon (deposition of flocculent organic ‘sludge’, blooms of Ulva, low oxygen events) are suggested as more likely causes for Chondrus decline.
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