Baseline report for the monitoring of the marine ecology in relation to the building of the gas pipeline and outfall in Broadhaven, Co.Mayo - Pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Prepared for: Shell E & P .

27 July 2005

By: Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) B19 KCR Industrial Estate Kimmage Dublin 12 www.ecoserve.ie

Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Print name Signature Prepared by: Chris Emblow Checked by: Roisin Nash

Authorised by: Chris Emblow

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 1 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

CONTENTS Contents ...... 2 List of tables...... 3 List of figures...... 3 Introduction...... 4 Study area...... 4 Methodology...... 5 Intertidal sediment habitats ...... 5 Intertidal rock habitats...... 5 Subtidal sediment habitats...... 5 Subtidal video...... 6 Landfall ...... 6 Lower crossing point...... 6 Upper crossing point ...... 6 Results...... 8 Landfall ...... 8 Lower crossing point...... 8 Upper crossing point ...... 10 Discussion...... 11

Appendix 1 Maps showing sample station locations...... 12 Appendix 2 Locations and codes of sampling stations and transects ...... 14 Appendix 3 Infauna recorded from sediment sampling...... 16 Appendix 4 Granulometric results...... 19 Appendix 5 Fauna and flora recorded from quadrat studies...... 22 Appendix 6 Plates ...... 24 Appendix 7 Dúchas site synopsis ...... 30

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 2 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Station locations, codes and descriptions ...... 14 Table 2 Fauna recorded from landfall transect ...... 16 Table 3 Fauna recorded from lower crossing (west) transect...... 16 Table 4 Fauna recorded from lower crossing sublittoral transect...... 17 Table 5 Fauna recorded from upper crossing (north) transect...... 17 Table 6 Fauna recorded from upper crossing (south) transect...... 18 Table 7 Fauna recorded from upper crossing sublittoral ...... 18 Table 8 Fauna, flora and substratum recorded from quadrats from the north shore transect .22 Table 9 Fauna, flora and substratum recorded from quadrats from the north shore control transect ...... 22 Table 10 Images of landfall and landfall control transect stations ...... 24 Table 11 Images of lower crossing (west) and lower crossing (west) control transect stations ...... 25 Table 12 Images of lower crossing (east) quadrat transect stations...... 26 Table 13 Images of lower crossing (east) control quadrat transect stations ...... 27 Table 14 Images of upper crossing (north) and upper crossing (north) control transect stations ...... 28 Table 15 Images of upper crossing (south) and upper crossing (south) control transect stations ...... 29

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Site map of upper crossing sampling stations ...... 12 Figure 2 Site map of lower crossing sampling stations ...... 12 Figure 3 Site map of landfall sampling stations...... 13 Figure 4 Landfall and landfall control transects ...... 19 Figure 5 Lower crossing (west) and lower crossing (west) control transects...... 19 Figure 6 Lower crossing sublittoral and lower crossing sublittoral control transects ...... 20 Figure 7 Upper crossing north and upper crossing north control transects ...... 20 Figure 8 Upper crossing south and upper crossing south control transects...... 21 Figure 9 Upper crossing sublittoral and upper crossing sublittoral control transects...... 21

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 3 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

INTRODUCTION

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) were asked by Shell E & P Ltd. to conduct a baseline environmental quality report on the areas around the proposed landfall and estuary crossing points related to the building of the gas pipeline in Co. Mayo. This report describes the methodology used during the collection of this data, and indicates the location of sample stations. The survey was designed to determine the effects, if any, on the marine ecology of as a result of the building of the gas pipeline.

Study area There were three main areas of study as follows: The landfall located on the beach just seaward of Sruwaddacon Bay, the lower crossing point in Sruwaddacon Bay just upstream of , and the upper crossing point towards the upper end of Sruwaddacon Bay. The work at the landfall was all intertidal, the upper and lower crossing points contained both intertidal and subtidal elements. Both sediment and rock habitats were surveyed.

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 4 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

METHODOLOGY

The general survey methodology can be divided into intertidal sediment habitats, intertidal rock habitats, subtidal sediment habitats and subtidal video. First the general survey methodology is described, followed by the methodology applied to each section of the survey.

Intertidal sediment habitats Quantitative core samples were taken in sediment habitats for the analysis of marine benthic infauna. Four combined replicates were taken per site using a 10.5 cm wide core inserted into the sediment to a depth of 20 cm. Sediment retained in the core was then passed through a 1mm mesh sieve. Any material retained on the sieve was then preserved in 70% Industrial Methylated Spirit (IMS) on site and returned to the laboratory for sorting and identification. A separate sample of the sediment was taken for granulometric and loss on ignition (LOI) analysis. These samples were delivered for analysis to an accredited laboratory unsieved and unpreserved.

Where the habitat was unsuitable for coring, for example the sediment contained coarse gravely material core samples, a general dig was taken. A quantity of material similar to the core volume was dug using a spade and sieved as for the core samples.

A photograph was taken of each station.

Intertidal rock habitats A quantitative assessment of the fauna and flora present on intertidal rock habitats. A transect was establish down the shore extending from the upper extent of marine influence to the lower shore. Three replicate quadrats 0.25m 2 were taken down the shore at three levels down the shore representing upper, mid and lower tide levels.

In each quadrat the marine flora and fauna contained were identified and recorded on site. The flora was recorded as percentage cover while fauna was recorded as a direct numerical abundance.

A photograph was taken of the transect and of each quadrat.

Subtidal sediment habitats Quantitative grabs were taken in the subtidal sediment habitats. A 0.1m 2 Van Veen grab was operated from an anchored Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Three replicate grab samples were taken at each site and combined for analysis. These were passed through a 1mm mesh sieve and the residue preserved in 70% IMS on site and returned to the laboratory for sorting and identification of the marine infauna.

Samples were also taken for granulometric and loss on ignition analysis.

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 5 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Subtidal video Where conditions allowed a video transect was taken across subtidal habitats. The boat manoeuvred as close as was practical to the shore line and moved across the channel to the other shore. A waterproof video camera recorded the habitats present along the transect. The video was returned to the laboratory for further analysis on habitats and species present.

Details of all sampling stations and codes are given in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.

Landfall The landfall habitats were surveyed on the 27 June 2005. Two transects were examined on the shore, one corresponding to the route of the pipeline across the foreshore and one representing a control. The control transect was selected to include similar habitats to the pipeline transect but were there would be no disturbance due to the pipeline construction. The control transect was located to the north of the pipeline transect.

Three stations were surveyed on each transect corresponding to upper, middle and lower shore. At each station sediment samples were taken using the core sampler.

Lower crossing point Three main habitat types were surveyed at the lower crossing point, intertidal and subtidal sediment and intertidal hard substrata. Survey methods for each habitat are given above.

Two transects were examined on the shore, one corresponding to the route of the pipeline across the foreshore and one representing a control. Ideally the control location should be located away from any influence of the pipeline construction (i.e. upstream of the crossing point) however at this location no comparable sediment substrata was present upstream of the crossing point so the control stations were located downstream in an area of similar sediment type. Three intertidal sediment stations corresponding to upper, middle and lower shore were surveyed on each transect on the 30 June 2005. The core sampler was used at all stations.

Two subtidal transects were examined, one corresponding to the route of the pipeline across the foreshore and one representing a control. Three subtidal stations were surveyed on each transect using the van Veen grab on the 28 June 2005. Stations were distributed across the channel as far as was practical. Shallow sandbanks (which dried at low tide) were avoided. A video transect was also taken across the width of the channel. The control stations for the subtidal section were located upstream of the proposed crossing point.

Two transects were examined on the eastern shore, one corresponding to the route of the pipeline across the foreshore and one representing a control. Three intertidal rock stations corresponding to upper, middle and lower shore were surveyed on each transect on the 28 June 2005. The control transect was located upstream of the crossing point.

Upper crossing point Two main habitat types were surveyed at the lower crossing point, intertidal and subtidal sediment. Survey methods for each habitat are given above.

Two transects were examined on the shore, one corresponding to the route of the pipeline across the foreshore and one representing a control. The control transect was located

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 6 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005) upstream in an area of similar sediment type. Three intertidal sediment stations corresponding to upper, middle and lower shore were surveyed on each transect on the 29 June 2005.

The core sampler was used at most stations however for some stations it was not possible. Digs were taken in place of cores at these stations. The control transect was located upstream of the proposed crossing.

Two subtidal transects were examined, one corresponding to the route of the pipeline across the foreshore and one representing a control. Only one subtidal station was surveyed on each transect using the van Veen grab on the 28 June 2005 as the subtidal channel was so narrow. The control transect was located upstream of the crossing point.

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 7 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

RESULTS

The analysis of the sediment infauna of all sites is given in Appendix 3. The granulometric and loss on ignition analysis are complete and shown in Appendix 4.

The species from the intertidal rock habitats were identified on site and are shown in Appendix 5. A preliminary analysis of these results shows that all species and habitats are common around the Irish coastline. None of the species or habitats recorded is of specific nature conservation importance. However, Sruwaddacon Bay is a part of the Bog complex Special Area of Conservation (site code 000500) (Appendix 7) and as such is a protected area. The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) also provides protection for the habitats and species present under the section that aims for all waters to achieve at least good ecological status by 2015.

Landfall Nine species or higher taxa were recorded from the landfall and landfall control transects (Appendix 3). No species were recorded from the upper shore stations on both transects (LC1 and LCC1). The midshore stations on both transects were characterised by polychaetes although the species diversity was lower. The lower shore stations also supported a low diversity of polychaetes although amphipod and mysid crustaceans were recorded at both stations, again in lower numbers.

The substratum at all the stations on both transects were dominated by fine and medium sands (Appendix 4) although they was a slight increase percentage of coarse sand and granules (2-4 mm) towards the lower shore stations and between the landfall and landfall control transects.

Lower crossing point

Intertidal sediment Eight species or higher taxa were recorded from the intertidal lower crossing (west) and control transects (Appendix 3). In general there was a low diversity of fauna recorded with only one species occurring in both the pipeline and control transects. The both upper shore stations had a low diversity of fauna with one polychaete species recorded at each location. The midshore stations also supported polychaetes with one mollusc Macoma balthica present on the pipeline transect. The lower shore pipeline station supported polychaetes with the crustacean Corophium volutator also present. Only one species of crustacean was recorded from the lower shore control station.

The substratum at all the stations along the pipeline and control transects was predominantly fine and medium sand (Appendix 4). Silt and coarser material coarse sand, granules and pebbles was present at most stations although in relatively small amounts.

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 8 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Intertidal rock Twenty two species or higher taxa were recorded from the quadrat studies of the hard substrata of the eastern shore of the lower crossing point transect (Appendix 5).

The upper shore was characterised by the brown seaweed Pelvetia canaliculata with patches of Fucus spiralis and the lichen Verrucaria maura . The barnacle Semibalanus balanoides and gastropod Littorina saxatilis were the most abundant fauna. The substratum was stable cobbles with some pebbles.

The midshore supported dense Ascophyllum nodosum with Semibalanus balanoides on cobbles.

The lower shore supported sparse clumps of A. nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus with a mixed fauna of barnacles and mussels. The substratum was also cobbles although more gravel was present.

Seventeen species or higher taxa were recorded from the quadrat studies of the hard substrata of the eastern shore of the lower crossing point control transect (Appendix 5,).

The upper shore was similar to the pipeline transect supporting Pelvetia canaliculata with patches of Verrucaria maura . However barnacles were absent. The substratum was bedrock and cobbles with some gravel.

The midshore supported sparse Fucus vesiculosus with some Ascophyllum nodosum and barnacles. The substratum was cobbles with some gravel overlying muddy sand.

The lower shore had dense Fucus vesiculosus with patches of Ascophyllum nodosum and barnacles and sparse mussels Mytilus edulis . The substratum was gravel with muddy sand and some cobbles.

Subtidal grabs Nine species or higher taxa were recorded from the sublittoral pipeline, and control (Appendix 3) transects, seven from the pipeline transect and five from the control transect. The dominant taxa were polychaetes and crustaceans although crustaceans account for the highest number of individuals present.

The substratum for the pipeline transect was characterised by coarse sand in two of the grabs whilst medium sand was dominant in the third. The control transect stations were predominantly medium sand.

Subtidal video transect The seabed of the lower crossing point was primarily sand which was rippled. Mussels, shells and shell debris were also visible particularly towards the shores. Algae were also noted here although it was not possible to identify it.

The seabed of the lower crossing control transect was very similar with rippled sand towards the centre of the channel and coarser shell material and mussels occurring towards the shores.

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 9 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Upper crossing point

Intertidal sediment Five species or higher taxa were recorded from the intertidal upper pipeline crossing (north) and control transects (Appendix 3). The fauna was characterised by polychaetes and crustaceans in particular Hediste diversicolor and Corophium volutator . In general there was an increase in the numbers of both taxa from the upper shore to the lower shore.

A similar distribution of fauna was noted from the upper pipeline crossing (south) and control transects (Appendix 3), although the numbers of individuals were much higher.

The substratum the stations on both sides of the channel was a mixture of fine to medium sand with more granules and pebbles present at the upper shore stations (Appendix 4).

Subtidal Three species or higher taxa were recorded from the subtidal upper pipeline crossing and control transects (Appendix 3). The fauna was sparse and low numbers of individuals. The most abundant species was the polychaete Hediste diversicolor .

The substratum for both transects was characterised by medium and coarse sand (Appendix 4).

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 10 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

DISCUSSION

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 11 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Appendix 1 Maps showing sample station locations

Figure 1 Site map of upper crossing sampling stations

Figure 2 Site map of lower crossing sampling stations

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 12 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Figure 3 Site map of landfall sampling stations

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 13 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Appendix 2 Locations and codes of sampling stations and transects

Table 1 Station locations, codes and descriptions Latitude - Longitude - Station code degrees N degrees W

Upper Landfall Landfall transect shore LS1 54.2834 -9.8210 Midshore LS2 54.2836 -9.8219 Lower shore LS3 54.2837 -9.8226 Upper Landfall control shore LCS1 54.2867 -9.8124 Midshore LCS2 54.2886 -9.8177 Lower shore LCS3 54.2890 -9.8220 Lower Upper crossing West shore shore BCWU 54.2814 -9.8111 Midshore BCWM 54.2810 -9.8095 Lower shore BCWL 54.2808 -9.8086 Upper West shore control shore BCCWM 54.2819 -9.8076 Midshore BCCWU 54.2024 -9.8085 Lower shore BCCWL 54.2819 -9.8060 Crossing sublittoral Station 1 BC01 54.2801 -9.8058 Station 2 BC02 54.2009 -9.8083 Station 3 BC03 54.2807 -9.8062 Control sublittoral Station 1 BCC01 54.2779 -9.8049 Station 2 BCC02 54.2776 -9.8053 Station 3 BCC03 54.2777 -9.8048 Upper East shore shore BCU 54.2801 -9.8053 Midshore BCM 54.2801 -9.8054 Lower shore BCL 54.2801 -9.8054 Upper East shore control shore BCCU 54.2780 -9.8042 Midshore BCCM 54.2780 -9.8043 Lower shore BCCL 54.2779 -9.8044 Sublittoral video transect Start BCTRANSS 54.2863 -9.8055 Finish BCTRANSF 54.2868 -9.8082 Sublittoral control video transect Start BCCTRANSS 54.2778 -9.8049 Finish BCCTRANSF 54.2776 -9.8073 Upper Upper crossing North shore shore TCNU 54.2584 -9.7417 Midshore TCNM 54.2574 -9.7421 Lower shore TCNL 54.2571 -9.7420 Upper North shore control shore TCCNU 54.2586 -9.7391 Midshore TCCNM 54.2581 -9.7383 Lower shore TCCNL 54.2582 -9.7384 Upper South shore shore TCSU 54.2568 -9.7421

Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd (EcoServe) 14 Marine ecology of the landfall and crossings - pre construction survey (June – July 2005)

Latitude - Longitude - Station code degrees N degrees W

Midshore TCSM 54.2568 -9.7421 Lower shore TCSL 54.2569 -9.7422 Upper South shore control shore TCCSU 54.2577 -9.7376 Midshore TCCSM 54.2577 -9.7377 Lower shore TCCSL 54.2578 -9.7378 Sublittoral station TCS1 54.2831 -9.8205 Sublittoral control station TCCS1 54.2575 -9.7385

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Appendix 3 Infauna recorded from sediment sampling

Table 2 Fauna recorded from landfall transect Landfall Landfall control SPECIES LS1 LS2 LS3 LCS1 LCS2 LCS3

Polychaetes Travisia forbesii - - - - 5 - Oligochaeta indet. - 1 - - - - Nephtys sp. - - - - 1 - Nephtys caeca - - - - - 1 Scolelegis bonnieri - - 1 - 1 - Spio filicornis - - 1 - - -

Crustaceans Gastrosaccus spinifer - - - - - 1 Bathyporeia pelagica - - 1 - - - Amphipoda indet. - - - - - 1

No. of taxa 0 1 3 0 3 3 No. of individuals 0 1 3 0 7 3

Table 3 Fauna recorded from lower crossing (west) transect Lower crossing (west) Lower crossing (west) control SPECIES BCWL BCWM BCWU BCCWL BCCWM BCCWU

Polychaetes Travisia forbesii - - - 2 - - Oligochaeta indet. - - - - 37 - Hediste diversicolor - - 13 - - - Pygospio elegans 2 - - - 8 - Arenicola marina - 2 - - - -

Crustaceans Corophium volutator - - 6 - - - Eurydice pulchra - - - - - 1

Molluscs Macoma balthica - 1 - - - -

No. of taxa 1 2 2 1 2 1 No. of individuals 2 3 19 2 45 1

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Table 4 Fauna recorded from lower crossing sublittoral transect Lower crossing control Lower crossing (sublittoral) (sublittoral) SPECIES BCO1 BCO2 BCO3 BCCO1 BCCO2 BCCO3

Polychaetes Glycera sp. - - - - 1 - Nephtys sp. - - - 1 - - Nephtys caeca - 1 - - 2 1 Nephtys cirrosa - - 3 - - -

Crustaceans Urothoe brevicornis - 3 4 7 11 3 Bathyporeia pelagica - 7 7 17 5 19 Corophium volutator - - 1 - - - Eurydice pulchra - - 1 - - -

Molluscs Mytilus edulis 1 - - - - -

No. of taxa 1 3 5 3 4 3 No. of individuals 1 11 16 25 19 23

Table 5 Fauna recorded from upper crossing (north) transect Upper crossing (north) Upper crossing (north) control SPECIES TCNL TCNM TCNU TCCNL TCCNM TCCNU

Polychaetes Oligochaeta indet. - - 7 - 1 - Hediste diversicolor 1 5 11 5 4 11

Crustaceans Bathyporeia pelagica - - - - 1 - Corophium volutator 1 25 27 1 1 1 Gnathiidae indet. - - - - 1 -

No. of taxa 2 2 3 2 5 2 No. of individuals 2 30 45 6 8 12

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Table 6 Fauna recorded from upper crossing (south) transect Upper crossing (south) Upper crossing (south) control SPECIES TCSL TCSM TCSU TCCSL TCCSM TCCSU

Polychaetes Oligochaeta indet - - 2 - - 63 Hediste diversicolor - 13 6 - 18 21

Crustaceans Corophium volutator 29 388 2 36 140 80 Eurydice pulchra - - 1 - - -

No. of taxa 1 2 4 1 2 3 No. of individuals 29 401 11 36 158 164

Table 7 Fauna recorded from upper crossing sublittoral Upper crossing control Upper crossing (sublittoral) (sublittoral) SPECIES TCS1A TCS1B TCS1C TCCS1A TCCS1B TCCS1C

Polychaetes Oligochaeta indet. - 1 - - - - Hediste diversicolor - 4 - - - -

Crustaceans Corophium volutator - - - 1 - -

No. of taxa 0 2 0 1 0 0 No. of individuals 0 5 0 1 0 0

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Appendix 4 Granulometric results

100%

90%

80%

70%

60% Silt Fine sand Medium sand 50% Coarse sand

Percentage Granules 40% Pebbles

30%

20%

10%

0% LS1 LS2 LS3 LCS1 LCS2 LCS3 Station

Figure 4 Landfall and landfall control transects

100%

80%

60% Silt Fine sand Medium sand Coarse sand

Percentage Granules 40% Pebbles

20%

0% BCCWU BCCWM BCCWL BCCWU BCWM BCWL Station

Figure 5 Lower crossing (west) and lower crossing (west) control transects

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100%

80%

60% Silt Fine sand Medium sand Coarse sand

Percentage Granules 40% Pebbles

20%

0% BC01 BC02 BC03 BCC01 BCC02 BCC03 Station

Figure 6 Lower crossing sublittoral and lower crossing sublittoral control transects

100%

90%

80%

70%

60% Silt Fine sand Medium sand 50% Coarse sand

Percentage Granules 40% Pebbles

30%

20%

10%

0% TCNU TCNM TCNL TCCNU TCCNM TCCNL Station

Figure 7 Upper crossing north and upper crossing north control transects

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100%

90%

80%

70%

60% Silt Fine sand Medium sand 50% Coarse sand

Percentage Granules 40% Pebbles

30%

20%

10%

0% TCSU TCSM TCSL TCCSU TCCSM TCCSL Station

Figure 8 Upper crossing south and upper crossing south control transects

100%

80%

60% Silt Fine sand Medium sand Coarse sand

Percentage Granules 40% Pebbles

20%

0% TCSA TCCSA Station

Figure 9 Upper crossing sublittoral and upper crossing sublittoral control transects

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Appendix 5 Fauna and flora recorded from quadrat studies

Table 8 Fauna, flora and substratum recorded from quadrats from the north shore transect

BCL BCL BCL BCM BCM BCM BCU BCU BCU Replicate a b c a b c a b c

Taxa No. of individuals Actinia equina 1 1 6 1 - 4 - - - Spirorbidae indet. - - - 500 100 50 - - - Semibalanus balanoides 100 100 100 100 100 15 50 10 10 Amphipoda indet. - - - - 1 1 1 - 1 Ligia oceanica ------1 - - Carcinus maenus - 1 - 1 - - - 1 - Patella vulgata 7 5 10 - - - - - Mytilus edulis 13 13 26 ------Gibbula umbilicalis 1 2 ------Littorina littorea 1 7 3 - - 2 - - - Littorina obtusata 1 - - 17 14 1 - - - Littorina saxatilis 14 - 9 - - - 3 5 10 Nucella lapillus - 1 1 ------

% cover Rhodophycota indet. - - - 1% - - - - - Polysiphonia lanosa - 1% ------Corallinaecea indet. - - - - - 1% - - - Ascophyllum nodosum - 5% 5% 100% 90% 100% - - - Fucus spiralis - - - - 5% - 15% 20% 5% Fucus vesiculosus - 5% 5% ------Pelvetia canaliculata - - - - 5% - 45% 40% 65% Enteromorpha sp. - - 1% ------Verrucaria maura - - - 1% - 1% 30% 15% 30%

Substratum Cobbles 80% 95% 90% 100% 100% 100% 100% 90% 100% Gravel 20% 5% 10% 10%

Table 9 Fauna, flora and substratum recorded from quadrats from the north shore control transect

BCCL BCCL BCCL BCCM BCCM BCCM BCCU BCCU BCCU Replicate a b c a b c a b c

Taxa No. of individuals Spirorbidae indet. 1 - - 50 - - - - Semibalanus balanoides 100 100 75 100 100 70 - - - Amphipoda indet. ------1 1 1 Ligia oceanica - - - - 1 1 - - - Patella vulgata 5 11 10 7 7 - - - - Mytilus edulis 11 6 10 1 - - - - - Cerastoderma edulis 1 ------Littorina littorea - 4 2 ------Littorina mariaea - - - 1 - 1 - - - Littorina obtusata 1 3 5 2 2 9 - - - Littorina saxatilis - - - - - 1 - 1 -

% cover Polysiphonia lanosa - 1% 5% 1% 1% - - - - Ascophyllum nodosum - 25% 20% 10% 10% - - - - Fucus vesiculosus 100% 70% 75% 20% 20% 65% - - - Pelvetia canaliculata ------25% 10% 30% Verrucaria maura ------35% 20% 25% Yellow and grey lichens ------2% -

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BCCL BCCL BCCL BCCM BCCM BCCM BCCU BCCU BCCU Replicate a b c a b c a b c

Substratum Bedrock 50% 5% 40% 45% 45% Cobbles 10% 15% 20% 75% 40% 45% 45% Gravel 45% 40% 40% 25% 12% 50% 10% 5% 5% Muddy sand 45% 45% 40% 25% 13% 45% 10% 5% 5%

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Appendix 6 Plates

Table 10 Images of landfall and landfall control transect stations Landfall transect Control transect

LS1 LCS1

LS2 LCS2

LS3 LCS3

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Table 11 Images of lower crossing (west) and lower crossing (west) control transect stations Crossing transect Control transect

Upper shore Upper shore

Midshore Midshore

Lower shore Lower shore

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Table 12 Images of lower crossing (east) quadrat transect stations

A B C Upper shore

A B C Midshore

A B C Lower shore

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Table 13 Images of lower crossing (east) control quadrat transect stations

A B C Upper shore

A B C Midshore

A B C Lower shore

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Table 14 Images of upper crossing (north) and upper crossing (north) control transect stations Upper crossing transect Control transect

Upper shore

Midshore

Lower shore

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Table 15 Images of upper crossing (south) and upper crossing (south) control transect stations Upper crossing transect Control transect

Upper shore

Midshore

Lower shore

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Appendix 7 Dúchas site synopsis

SITE SYNOPSIS SITE NAME: GLENAMOY BOG COMPLEX SITE CODE: 000500 This large site is situated in the extreme north-west of , where the climate is wet oceanic and gales from the Atlantic are frequent. This area is underlain by metamorphic rocks, comprising mainly schists and quartzites of Moinian age. From sea-level, the site reaches 379m O.D. at Maumakeogh. The soils are predominantly peats, with underlying glacial tills usually only visible along water channels and roads. Four main river systems drain the site: the Glenamoy, the Muingnabo, the Belderg and the Glenglassra Rivers. One medium-sized lake, Lougherglass, occurs on the site.

The site is a candidate SAC selected for active blanket bog and machair, both priority habitats on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected as a candidate SAC for sea cliffs, wet heath, Juniper scrub, transition mires, dystrophic lakes and Rhynchosporion, all habitats listed on Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive. The site is also selected for the following species listed on Annex II of the same directive - Atlantic Salmon, the plant Marsh Saxifrage, the liverwort Petalwort and the moss Drepanocladus vernicosus. These 3 plant species are also protected under the Flora Protection Order (1999).

Blanket bog, a priority habitat under Annex I of the E.U. Habitats Directive, dominates the site. Glenamoy Bog is a prime example of the extreme oceanic form of lowland blanket bog and is oneof the most extensive tracts of bog in the country. The bog occupies a gently undulating plain, but extends uphill to cover the slopes of Maumakeogh and Benmore in the eastern sector of the site, andnorthward, out toward the sea cliffs of the north-west Mayo coastline. Peat depth reaches 6 metres in the low-lying areas. A large flush occurs at Rathavisteen, which supports species-rich vegetation,including Cranberry ( Vaccinium oxycoccos ) and a moss ( Homalothecium nitens ) which is nationally rare. Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus ), listed under Annex II of the Habitats Directive is found in another flush area in Barroosky. Five other Annexed habitats occur in close association with the blanket bog - dystrophic lakes, wet heath, Juniper heath, Rhynchosporion depressions and transition mires.

Dystrophic lakes, which lie in peaty basins and have peat-stained water, are a common feature of lowland blanket bog. At Glenamoy, the lakes are particularly well-developed. Juniper ( Juniperus communis subsp. nana ) occurs scattered over the blanket bog, often in association with Crowberry ( Empetrum nigrum ) and hummocks formed of mosses (Racomitrium lanuginosum ). On steep slopes where the peat is shallow, the blanket bog grades into wet heath. Here, Ling Heather ( Calluna vulgaris ), Cross-leaved Heath ( Erica tetralix ), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta ) and Purple Moor-grass ( Molinia caerulea ) are found. Where the heath is drier, and especially towards the northern coastal zone of the site, scattered Bearberry ( Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ) occurs with Ling and Juniper.

Transition mires or quaking bogs occur where the bog vegetation merges with flush type vegetation influenced by base enrichment, and also at the interface between large pools/small lakes and adjacent blanket bog. The vegetation is characterised by lawns of Sphagnum , with abundant small sedges (especially Carex limosa , C. paniculata , C. rostrata and C. lepidocarpa ), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and White-beaked Sedge ( Rhynchospora alba ). Diagnostic bryophytes (other than Sphagnum ) include Aneura pinguis ,

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Drepanocladus revolvens and Calliergon giganteum . Rhynchosporion vegetation is best represented around pool margins and in wet hollows and is often a component of transition mires. Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. auriculatum are principal moss species associated with this habitat, with a relatively low diversity of vascular plants White-beaked Sedge, Bogbean, Bog cotton ( Eriophorum angustifolium), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea ) and sundews ( Drosera spp.). The rare Brown Beak-sedge ( Rhynchospora fusca ) is found in some of the pools and lawns.

A rare moss, Drepanocladus vernicosus , has been recorded from an area of poor fen habitat within the blanket bog complex. This is only one of 11 known sites for the plant in Ireland. This species is listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive.

The coastal habitats at Glenamoy are extensive and varied. Sea cliffs extend for about 20 km along the north coast and achieve a height of 253m, at Benwee Head. They vary in physical character from sheer -face to slopes of varying gradients. Typical cliff-face vegetation includes Thrift (Armeria maritima ), Sea Campion ( Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima ) and Red Fescue ( Festuca rubra ). Sea stacks and several islands occur, of which Illaunmaistir is the most notable. A feature of the cliffs is the well developed cliff-top vegetation, which ranges from typical Plantain dominated vegetation (Plantago sward) to coastal heath. South of Benwee Head, the rocky coastline grades into an estuarine system, Sruwaddacon Bay, which contains sand dunes and a machair system. Machair is a form of sandy, flat, coastal grassland, and this particular machair is unusual in that it extends upslope at Garter Hill - most machairs occupy flat, low-lying plains. It is, however, now very degraded owing mainly to over-grazing by sheep. Petalwort ( Petallophyllum ralfsii ), a rare bryophyte, listed on Annex II of the E.U. Habitats Directive, occurs abundantly on the machair habitat. This is thought to be the second largest colony (after Slyne Head in Co. Galway) of this species in Ireland.

The sea cliffs and islands provide excellent habitat for breeding seabirds. An internationally important population of Storm Petrel (7,500 - 10,000 pairs, pre-1987), occurs on Illaunmaistir. A large Puffin colony (c.2,000 pairs, pre 1987) and a small colony of Manx Shearwaters (c.100 pairs) also occurs on Illaunmaistir. The mainland cliffs was the first breeding site in Ireland for Fulmar and now has a very substantial colony (c.2,000 pairs, pre 1987). There is a sizeable Kittiwake colony (c.400 pairs pre 1987) and small colonies of Guillemots and Razorbills (less than 100 individuals of each). Peregrine Falcon and Chough, both Annex I Bird Directive species, breed on the cliffs. Another Annex I species, Merlin, breeds on the blanket bog, as does Golden Plover . In winter, a small flock (less than 50 individuals) of Barnacle Geese visit Illaunmaistir and Kid Island.

Otter, an E.U. Habitats Directive Annex II species, occurs on the site, as well as two other Red Data Book mammal species: Badger and Irish Hare. The Glenamoy River is predominantly a western, acidic, spate river which has a valuable late run of salmon ( Salmo salar ) in July with good spawning habitats and good water quality. Sea Trout are also found.

A number of landuse practices have damaged parts of this site. Grazing by sheep and cattle is widespread and over-grazing, which leads to soil erosion, has caused damage to parts of the blanket bog, heath and machair habitats. Peat cutting, by hand and to a lesser extent by mechanised means, is widespread throughout though mostly confined to near roads and tracks. The region in general has been heavily afforested with conifers and much of the site is

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bounded by plantations. Within parts of the site afforestation continues and poses a threat to the blanket bog.

This site is of immense ecological importance because of the presence of a number of E.U. Annex I habitats, including two priority habitats - blanket bog and machair. It supports populations of an Annex II species, two Annex II plant species and six Annex I Birds Directive species. It also has nationally important populations of other seabirds. Despite serious damage to parts of the site in recent years, large areas remain in good condition. Considerable archaeological interest is contained within the site, including the renowned Céide Fields. Furthermore, the site is of outstanding scenic value. 7.12.2005

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