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any one system depend upon the weed type and biomass, weed mat size and time of
establishment and decay. Comparisons between studies conducted in different areas
are further complicated by differences in the ability of the sediments and faunal
assemblages to cope with the disturbance (Hull, 1988). Furthermore, Everett (1994)
indicated that the responses of the fauna to weed cover vary from year to year, even
within the same area. While descriptive studies have weed-affected and weed-free
plots in separate areas of the estuary or bay, inconsistencies in the responses shown by
different species are expected due to methodological artefacts.
Macroalgal mat establishment on Drum Sands during 1997 provided an ideal
opportunity to carry out a descriptive survey to investigate the ecological effects of
weed mats on intertidal sandflats and to compare with the results obtained from the
weed-implantation experiment (Chapter 4). The two main aims of this survey were:
1 - to investigate the ecological effects of weed mats on an intertidal sandflat;
2 - to investigate whether weed mat establishment could promote patch formation of
P. elegans on Drum Sands.
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