Prasiola stipitata on nitrate-enriched supralittoral or littoral fringe rock

Summary

UK and Ireland classification

Description

Exposed to moderately exposed bedrock and large boulders in the supralittoral and littoral fringe that receives nitrate enrichment from nearby roosting sea birds and is characterized by a band or patches of the transient tufty green seaweed Prasiola stipitata or Prasiola spp. This typically grows over the black lichen Verrucaria maura in the littoral fringe or yellow and grey lichens in the supralittoral zone. In damp pits and crevices, species such as the winkle Littorina saxatilis, amphipods and halacarid mites are occasionally found. LR.FLR.Lic.Pra often covers a smaller area than 5m x 5m and care and may be under-recorded. LR.FLR.Lic.Pra can be associated with artificial substrata such as septic tanks, and in supralittoral areas influenced by sewage seeps or agricultural run-off. It may also be found at the entrances to and on the ceilings of littoral caves or in patches on large boulders, where birds may be roosting. Prasiola stipitata reaches its maximum abundance during the winter months. It generally dies out during the summer in southern Britain, when the biotope reverts to either YG or Ver.Ver. In the cooler northern areas it may be present all year round. (Information taken from Connor et al., 2004).

Depth range

Upper shore

Additional information

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Sensitivity reviewHow is sensitivity assessed?

Sensitivity characteristics of the habitat and relevant characteristic species

This biotope (LR.FLR.Lic.Pra) is characterized by dense patches or cover of the tufts of dark green Prasiola stipitata.  Each individual plant (or tuft) is 1-5 mm in height. Prasiola stipitata can occur in the eulittoral but only forms dense mats in the littoral fringe and supralittoral.  It is most usually associated with areas that receive some form of nutrient enrichment, e.g. areas subject to agricultural runoff, sewage seeps, bird colonies or upper shore rocks used as a roost by seabirds or wildfowl (Lewin, 1955; Rindi et al., 1999; Connor et al., 2004; Kang et al., 2013; Guiry, 2016) but can occur in oligotrophic conditions (Lewis, 1964 cited in Russell, 1991).  It is most abundant in winter, dying back in the summer months on southern shores, although it remains all year round in northern shores subject to lower temperatures and higher rainfall or in areas of runoff (Rindi et al., 1999; Connor et al., 2004). It grows on littoral fringe rock and artificial substrata (Rindi et al., 1999) but also grows over other littoral fringe communities (e.g. Verrucaria maura, LR.FL:R.Lic.Ver) or supralittoral yellow and grey lichen communities (LR.FLR.Lic.YG) in winter, wet crevices or areas of runoff, although it also grows over Lic.Ver in the vicinity of bird colonies,where wave action provides adequate spray to keep the Prasiola stipitata mat moist (Wootton, 1991).  Littorina saxatilis, littoral fringe isopods and halacarid mites probably graze the Prasiola together with other macroalgae, and surface microalgae but are mobile not limited to this biotope alone.  Therefore, the sensitivity of this biotope is determined by the important characterizing species Prasiola stipitata.

Resilience and recovery rates of habitat

Prasiola stipitata has a unique life cyle (Van den Hoek et al., 1995; Lee, 2008).  The diploid thallus can form diploid spores or haploid gametes at the apex of the  frond. Diploid spores (aplanospores) are non-motile (aflagellate), settle, germinate and forms plants.  Haploid gametes form at the apex of the frond, which undergoes meiosis to form male and female cells.  This results in a patchwork pattern of male and female cells, as the female cells have larger, darker, chloroplasts. On release, the males gametes are biflagellate while the female gametes are non-motile (aflagellate). On contact, one of the male gametes flagella fuses with the female gamete, followed by fertilization. The resultant zygote swims vigorously by means of the remaining flagellum. At 5°C, it can swim for several hours before settlement. Spore-forming plants occur higher on the shore than gamete forming plants (Freidmann, 1959 and Freidmann & Manton, 1959 cited in Lee, 2008). Therefore, Prasiola stipitata can releases numerous asexual spores and sexual gametes into the water column. The non-motile asexual spores probably allow it to colonize the substratum quickly while numerous spores mean that recruitment to suitable substratum is also probably rapid.  In addition, Bingham & Schiff (1979) observed that fragmentation of the thallus resulted in the release of most of its cells and that these cells could attach to the substratum and develop into new plants in culture. Also, Guiry (2016b) noted that Prasiola stipitata plants that died back in summer apparently survived as basal fragments to regrow in winter.

Friedmann (1959, 1969 cited in Rindi et al., 1999) noted that Prasiola stipitata was seasonal from its southern limit to about 55° N (latitude) and disappeared in summer but that is was perennial further north. However, in some areas, e.g. the west coast of Ireland, where rainfall is substantially higher and consistent than other places in  north west Europe, Prasiola stipitata persisted for the entire year, as long as summer was not too hot or dry (Rindi et al., 1999). In Galway Ireland, the abundance and height of the Prasiola stipitata belt on the shore were lower in summer. Plant length was greatest in October to March with a peak in January, spore production was greatest in March, May and June but recorded every month, although sterile plants were seen in April and gametogenesis was recorded in November to March only (Rindi et al., 1999).  In the Bay of Fundy, Canada it is also seasonal, dying back in summer month (Kang et al., 2013). Kang et al. (2013) noted that, in November, during its normal period of expansion, and area without an obvious cover of Prasiola stipitata had extensive cover one week later.

Resilience assessment. Prasiola stipitata is seasonal in much of its range, dying back in summer months and increasing in abundance and extent in winter; produces numerous asexual and motile sexual spores, so that local recruitment and dispersal are probably good and can colonize the substratum quickly under suitable conditions. Therefore, resilience is likely to be High, even where the biotope is removed.

Hydrological Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Temperature increase (local) [Show more]

Temperature increase (local)

Benchmark. A 5°C increase in temperature for one month, or 2°C for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Friedmann (1959, 1969 cited in Rindi et al., 1999) noted that Prasiola stipitata was seasonal from its southern limit to about 55° N (latitude) and disappeared in summer but that is was perennial further north. It is recorded throughout the North  Atlantic, from the Massachusetts to south west Greenland on the eastern seaboard and from north Spain to Iceland in the west and into the Baltic (Russell, 1991). The littoral fringe and supralittoral experiences the extremes of hot summers and cold frosty winters, so that Prasiola stipitata is probably adapted to extreme variation in temperature. However, an increase in temperature is likely to affect desiccation experienced by the biotope, in combination with wave splash, spray, rainfall and wind. An increase in temperature may affect the seasonality so that perennial populations in northern waters may become seasonal while die back in southern waters may be more prolonged.  Therefore, a resistance of Medium is suggested with Low confidence. Resilience is probably High so that sensitivity is assessed as Low.

Medium
Low
NR
NR
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High
Medium
Medium
Medium
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Low
Low
Low
Low
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Temperature decrease (local) [Show more]

Temperature decrease (local)

Benchmark. A 5°C decrease in temperature for one month, or 2°C for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Friedmann (1959, 1969 cited in Rindi et al., 1999) noted that Prasiola stipitata was seasonal from its southern limit to about 55° N (latitude) and disappeared in summer but that is was perennial further north. It is recorded throughout the North  Atlantic, from the Massachusetts to south west Greenland on the eastern seaboard and from north Spain to Iceland in the west and into the Baltic (Russell, 1991). The littoral fringe and supralittoral experiences the extremes of hot summers and cold frosty winters, so that Prasiola stipitata is probably adapted to extreme variation in temperature. However, a decrease in temperature is likely to affect desiccation experienced by the biotope, in combination with wave splash, spray, rainfall and wind. A decrease in temperature may affect the seasonality so that seasonal populations in southern waters may become perennial.  In addition, winter is the main growth period for Prasiola stipitata. Therefore, a resistance of High is suggested with Low confidence. Resilience is, therefore, High (by default) so that the biotope is assessed as Not sensitive.

High
Low
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High
High
High
High
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Not sensitive
Low
Low
Low
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Salinity increase (local) [Show more]

Salinity increase (local)

Benchmark. A increase in one MNCR salinity category above the usual range of the biotope or habitat. Further detail

Evidence

The littoral fringe is likely to experience localised evaporation and resultant increased surface salinity during neap and low tides in hot summers and/or warm windy conditions, together with reduced salinity due to rainfall or runoff. Russell (1991) reported that salinity tolerance in Prasiola stipitata showed local adaptation, depending on origin. Specimens from Norway, where summers were cool and wet, were less exposed to hypersaline events that more southern specimens (from north west England) that died back in summer while specimens from the Baltic were more exposed to hyposaline events. Specimens from Norway and NW England had the highest density of plantlets at 34‰ and markedly reduced density at 6‰ while Baltic specimens had a maximum density at 34‰ but a smaller reduction in density at 6‰, after three weeks.  All specimens had lower densities after three weeks at 68‰ and greatly reduced densities at 102‰.  Nevertheless, all specimens were very halotolerant (Russell, 1991).  Prasiola stipitata is probably adapted to extremes of salinity greater than expressed by the benchmark. Therefore, a resistance of High is suggested. Resilience is, therefore, High and the biotope has been assessed as Not sensitive at the benchmark level.

High
High
High
Medium
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High
High
High
High
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Not sensitive
High
High
Medium
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Salinity decrease (local) [Show more]

Salinity decrease (local)

Benchmark. A decrease in one MNCR salinity category above the usual range of the biotope or habitat. Further detail

Evidence

The littoral fringe is likely to experience localised evaporation and resultant increased surface salinity during neap and low tides in hot summers and/or warm windy conditions, together with reduced salinity due to rainfall or runoff. Russell (1991) reported that salinity tolerance in Prasiola stipitata showed local adaptation, depending on origin. Specimens from Norway, where summers were cool and wet, were less exposed to hypersaline events that more southern specimens (from north west England) that died back in summer while specimens from the Baltic were more exposed to hyposaline events. Specimens from Norway and NW England had the highest density of plantlets at 34‰ and markedly reduced density at 6‰ while Baltic specimens had a maximum density at 34‰ but a smaller reduction in density at 6‰, after three weeks.  All specimens had lower densities after three weeks at 68‰ and greatly reduced densities at 102‰.  Nevertheless, all specimens were very halotolerant (Russell, 1991).  Prasiola stipitata is probably adapted to extremes of salinity greater than expressed by the benchmark. Therefore, a resistance of High is suggested. Resilience is, therefore, High and the biotope has been assessed as Not sensitive at the benchmark level.

High
High
High
Medium
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High
High
High
High
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Not sensitive
High
High
Medium
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Water flow (tidal current) changes (local) [Show more]

Water flow (tidal current) changes (local)

Benchmark. A change in peak mean spring bed flow velocity of between 0.1 m/s to 0.2 m/s for more than one year. Further detail

Evidence

The littoral fringe and supralittoral are unlikely to be affected by changes in water flow as described in the pressure benchmark. Runoff due to heavy rainfall is possible but is outside the scope of the pressure. Therefore, the pressure is Not relevant.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
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Emergence regime changes [Show more]

Emergence regime changes

Benchmark.  1) A change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of ≥1 year or 2) an increase in relative sea level or decrease in high water level for ≥1 year. Further detail

Evidence

This biotope is characteristic of littoral fringe and supralittoral habitats that are rarely inundated and depend on wave action to provide splash or spray, or rainfall to moisten the habitat. Wooton (1991) noted that Prasiola stipitata grew over the Verrucaria belt in the presence of bird guano, only where wave action was sufficient to wet the habitat. In a tidal simulator experiment, Hruby & Norton (1979; Fig 2) reported that 60-100% of Prasiola stipitata propagules survived one to three weeks in culture at >7 hrs of immersion per tidal cycle, but 20-59% survived 4-6 hrs, and only 1-19% survived 0-4 hrs immersion per tidal cycle. Kang et al. (2013) examined photosynthesis in Prasiola stipitata under desiccation stress. They noted that photosynthesis recovered totally within one hour of immersion after two days of desiccation but after 15 days of desiccation recovery took 24 hrs. However, after 30 days the photosynthetic apparatus shows signs of damage and only partial recovery occurred. They noted that complete desiccation for 15 of more days in the field was unlikely and that the dense crowding of individual thalli within the algal mat, granted some protection from desiccation (Kang et al., 2013). 

While Prasiola stipitata is desiccation tolerant, it is only abundant in the littoral fringe or supralittoral in areas that received some wetting, and dies back in the summer months (presumably due to reduced wetting, and increased desiccation) except in areas of consistent rainfall runoff or low temperatures (Rindi et al., 1999).  Therefore, a change in emergence regime will alter the degree of wetting. An increase in emergence could reduce the height of the Prasiola stipitata band on the shore or shift it from a perennial to a seasonal biotope. A decrease in emergence may allow it to colonize further up the shore where suitable substratum exists or cause it to be out-competed by upper shore algae.  Therefore, a resistance of Low is suggested. Resilience is probably High so that sensitivity is assessed as Low.

Low
High
Medium
Medium
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High
Medium
Medium
Medium
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Low
Medium
Medium
Medium
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Wave exposure changes (local) [Show more]

Wave exposure changes (local)

Benchmark. A change in near shore significant wave height of >3% but <5% for more than one year. Further detail

Evidence

This biotope is recorded on wave exposed to moderately wave exposed shores. Although the littoral fringe or supralittoral are rarely inundated, wave action (via splash and spray) are an important source of wetting within the biotope. A change in wave action could alter the degree of wetting received by the Prasiola stipitata algal mat and alter its abundance and height on the shore, especially in summer months.  However, a change of 3-5% of significant wave height is probably not significant on moderately to wave exposed shores. Therefore, the biotope is Not sensitive (resistance and resilience are High) at the benchmark level.

Not relevant (NR)
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
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Not sensitive
NR
NR
NR
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Chemical Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Transition elements & organo-metal contamination [Show more]

Transition elements & organo-metal contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but evidence is presented where available.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination [Show more]

Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but evidence is presented where available.

Not Assessed (NA)
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NR
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Synthetic compound contamination [Show more]

Synthetic compound contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed but evidence is presented where available.

Not Assessed (NA)
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NR
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Radionuclide contamination [Show more]

Radionuclide contamination

Benchmark. An increase in 10µGy/h above background levels. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found.

No evidence (NEv)
NR
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
NR
NR
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No evidence (NEv)
NR
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NR
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Introduction of other substances [Show more]

Introduction of other substances

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure is Not assessed.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
NR
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De-oxygenation [Show more]

De-oxygenation

Benchmark. Exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 2 mg/l for one week (a change from WFD poor status to bad status). Further detail

Evidence

The littoral fringe is is rarely inundated and is often exposed to the air.  For example, Fletcher (1980) noted that Lichina confinis, a species that occurs at the top of the littoral fringe, spent a maximum of 1% of time submerged each year while Verrucaria striatula, a species that occurs in the lower littoral fringe below the Verrucaria maura, spent a maximum of 44% of time submerged each year.  Therefore, this biotope (LR.FLR.Lic.Pra) is exposed to the air for the majority of the time. Even if the water lapping over the littoral fringe was deoxygenated, wave action and turbulent flow over the rock surface would probably aerate the water column. Hence, the biotope is unlikely to be exposed to deoxygenated conditions. 

Not relevant (NR)
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NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
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NR
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Nutrient enrichment [Show more]

Nutrient enrichment

Benchmark. Compliance with WFD criteria for good status. Further detail

Evidence

The abundance of Prasiola stipitata that characterizes this biotope is associated with nutrient enrichment and the biotope occurs in areas affected by bird dropping and guano, eg. near bird colonies or roosts, or with sewage seeps and agricultural runoff.   Lewin (1955) demonstrated that organic nitrogen increased the growth of Prasiola stipitata in culture. Wooton (1991) demonstrated that Prasiola meridionalis became the dominant alga in the presence of guano and wave action, and out-competed Verrucaria maura in the splash zone.  Therefore, an increase in nutrients may benefit the biotope. Nevertheless, this biotope is considered to be 'Not sensitive' at the pressure benchmark that assumes compliance with good status as defined by the WFD.

Not relevant (NR)
NR
NR
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
NR
NR
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Not sensitive
NR
NR
NR
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Organic enrichment [Show more]

Organic enrichment

Benchmark. A deposit of 100 gC/m2/yr. Further detail

Evidence

Organic-rich runoff would probably promote Prasiola growth where wave exposure allowed.  However, no direct evidence on the effects of organic enrichment in the littoral fringe was found and not sensitivity assessment was made.

No evidence (NEv)
NR
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
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No evidence (NEv)
NR
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Physical Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat) [Show more]

Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat)

Benchmark. A permanent loss of existing saline habitat within the site. Further detail

Evidence

All marine habitats and benthic species are considered to have a resistance of ‘None’ to this pressure and to be unable to recover from a permanent loss of habitat (resilience is ‘Very Low’).  Sensitivity within the direct spatial footprint of this pressure is, therefore ‘High’.  Although no specific evidence is described confidence in this assessment is ‘High’, due to the incontrovertible nature of this pressure.

None
High
High
High
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Very Low
High
High
High
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High
High
High
High
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Physical change (to another seabed type) [Show more]

Physical change (to another seabed type)

Benchmark. Permanent change from sedimentary or soft rock substrata to hard rock or artificial substrata or vice-versa. Further detail

Evidence

This biotope is only found on hard substrata and dominates rocks in the littoral fringe. A change to a sedimentary substratum, however unlikely, would result in the permanent loss of the biotope. Therefore, the biotope has a resistance of None, with a Very low resilience (as the effect is permanent) and, therefore, a sensitivity of High. Although no specific evidence is described confidence in this assessment is ‘High’, due to the incontrovertible nature of this pressure.

None
High
High
High
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Very Low
High
High
High
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High
High
High
High
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Physical change (to another sediment type) [Show more]

Physical change (to another sediment type)

Benchmark. Permanent change in one Folk class (based on UK SeaMap simplified classification). Further detail

Evidence

Not Relevant on hard rock biotopes.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Habitat structure changes - removal of substratum (extraction) [Show more]

Habitat structure changes - removal of substratum (extraction)

Benchmark. The extraction of substratum to 30 cm (where substratum includes sediments and soft rock but excludes hard bedrock). Further detail

Evidence

Not Relevant on hard rock biotopes.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Abrasion / disturbance of the surface of the substratum or seabed [Show more]

Abrasion / disturbance of the surface of the substratum or seabed

Benchmark. Damage to surface features (e.g. species and physical structures within the habitat). Further detail

Evidence

The mat of Prasiola stipitata is composed of numerous individual thalli, each of which is loosely attached to the substratum. It can easily be removed by hand. It is, therefore, likely to be affected by trampling or vehicular access, although no direct evidence was found.  Therefore, a resistance of Low is suggested but with Low confidence. Resilience is probably High so that sensitivity is assessed as Low

Low
Low
NR
NR
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High
Medium
Medium
Medium
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Low
Low
Low
Low
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Penetration or disturbance of the substratum subsurface [Show more]

Penetration or disturbance of the substratum subsurface

Benchmark. Damage to sub-surface features (e.g. species and physical structures within the habitat). Further detail

Evidence

Penetration is unlikely to be relevant to hard rock substrata. Therefore, the pressure is Not relevant

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Changes in suspended solids (water clarity) [Show more]

Changes in suspended solids (water clarity)

Benchmark. A change in one rank on the WFD (Water Framework Directive) scale e.g. from clear to intermediate for one year. Further detail

Evidence

This biotope occurs in mid to littoral fringe and supralittoral and rarely inundated. Therefore, an increase in turbidity due to suspended solids (at the benchmark) is unlikely to adversely affect the biotope and Not relevant is recorded.

Not relevant (NR)
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NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
NR
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Smothering and siltation rate changes (light) [Show more]

Smothering and siltation rate changes (light)

Benchmark. ‘Light’ deposition of up to 5 cm of fine material added to the seabed in a single discrete event. Further detail

Evidence

No information on siltation in the littoral fringe or supralittoral was found. 

No evidence (NEv)
NR
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
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No evidence (NEv)
NR
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Smothering and siltation rate changes (heavy) [Show more]

Smothering and siltation rate changes (heavy)

Benchmark. ‘Heavy’ deposition of up to 30 cm of fine material added to the seabed in a single discrete event. Further detail

Evidence

No information on siltation in the littoral fringe or supralittoral was found. 

No evidence (NEv)
NR
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Not relevant (NR)
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No evidence (NEv)
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Litter [Show more]

Litter

Benchmark. The introduction of man-made objects able to cause physical harm (surface, water column, seafloor or strandline). Further detail

Evidence

Not assessed.

Not Assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Not assessed (NA)
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Electromagnetic changes [Show more]

Electromagnetic changes

Benchmark. A local electric field of 1 V/m or a local magnetic field of 10 µT. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found. 

No evidence (NEv)
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Not relevant (NR)
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No evidence (NEv)
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Underwater noise changes [Show more]

Underwater noise changes

Benchmark. MSFD indicator levels (SEL or peak SPL) exceeded for 20% of days in a calendar year. Further detail

Evidence

Not relevant

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Introduction of light or shading [Show more]

Introduction of light or shading

Benchmark. A change in incident light via anthropogenic means. Further detail

Evidence

The littoral fringe habitat is likely to be exposed to high levels of irradiance, direct sunlight when compared to the littoral or sublittoral that are emersed. However, Kang et al. (2013) noted that high irradiance (up to 1800 µmol photons/m2/s) had no negative impact on photosynthesis in Prasiola stipitata. In addition, a largely shaded and moist population of Prasiola stipitata showed no changes in photosynthetic parameters from one hour after sunrise to sunset. Although the evidence is limited, it suggests that Prasiola stipitata is probably resistant of a range of light and shade conditions.  Therefore, resistance is probably High, so that resilience is High and the biotope is assessed as Not sensitive.

High
Medium
Low
Low
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High
High
High
High
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Not sensitive
Medium
Low
Low
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Barrier to species movement [Show more]

Barrier to species movement

Benchmark. A permanent or temporary barrier to species movement over ≥50% of water body width or a 10% change in tidal excursion. Further detail

Evidence

Not relevant

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Death or injury by collision [Show more]

Death or injury by collision

Benchmark. Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static or moving structures due to 0.1% of tidal volume on an average tide, passing through an artificial structure. Further detail

Evidence

The pressure definition is not directly applicable to the littoral fringe so Not relevant has been recorded.  Collision via ship groundings or terrestrial vehicles is possible but the effects are probably similar to those of abrasion above.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Visual disturbance [Show more]

Visual disturbance

Benchmark. The daily duration of transient visual cues exceeds 10% of the period of site occupancy by the feature. Further detail

Evidence

Not relevant

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Biological Pressures

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ResistanceResilienceSensitivity
Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species [Show more]

Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species

Benchmark. Translocation of indigenous species or the introduction of genetically modified or genetically different populations of indigenous species that may result in changes in the genetic structure of local populations, hybridization, or change in community structure. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence of the translocation, breeding or species hybridization in Prasiola stipitata was found.

No evidence (NEv)
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Not relevant (NR)
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No evidence (NEv)
NR
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Introduction or spread of invasive non-indigenous species [Show more]

Introduction or spread of invasive non-indigenous species

Benchmark. The introduction of one or more invasive non-indigenous species (INIS). Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found.

No evidence (NEv)
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Not relevant (NR)
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No evidence (NEv)
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Introduction of microbial pathogens [Show more]

Introduction of microbial pathogens

Benchmark. The introduction of relevant microbial pathogens or metazoan disease vectors to an area where they are currently not present (e.g. Martelia refringens and Bonamia, Avian influenza virus, viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia virus). Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found.

No evidence (NEv)
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Not relevant (NR)
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No evidence (NEv)
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Removal of target species [Show more]

Removal of target species

Benchmark. Removal of species targeted by fishery, shellfishery or harvesting at a commercial or recreational scale. Further detail

Evidence

Prasiola stipitata is unlikely to be targetted by any commercial or recreational fishery or harvest.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Removal of non-target species [Show more]

Removal of non-target species

Benchmark. Removal of features or incidental non-targeted catch (by-catch) through targeted fishery, shellfishery or harvesting at a commercial or recreational scale. Further detail

Evidence

Accidental physical disturbance due to access (e.g. trampling) or grounding is examined under abrasion above.  Where present, mobile invertebrate fauna are probably not entirely dependent on the algal mat for food or habitat and would forage elsewhere.  However, this biotope is unlikely to be targetted by any commercial or recreational fishery or harvest.

Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Not relevant (NR)
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Bibliography

  1. Bingham, S., & Schiff, J.A., 1979. Conditions for attachment and development of single cells released from mechanically-disrupted thalli of Prasiola stipitata Suhr. Biological Bulletin, 156 (3), 257-271

  2. Connor, D.W., Allen, J.H., Golding, N., Howell, K.L., Lieberknecht, L.M., Northen, K.O. & Reker, J.B., 2004. The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland. Version 04.05. ISBN 1 861 07561 8. In JNCC (2015), The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland Version 15.03. [2019-07-24]. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Available from https://mhc.jncc.gov.uk/

  3. Guiry, M.D., 2016. Prasiola stipitata Suhr. The Seaweed Site: information on marine algae. [cited 30/3/16] Available from: https://www.seaweed.ie/descriptions/Prasiola_stipitata.php

  4. Hruby, T. & Norton, T.A., 1979. Algal colonization on rocky shores in the Firth of Clyde. Journal of Ecology, 67, 65-77.

  5. JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), 2022.  The Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland Version 22.04. [Date accessed]. Available from: https://mhc.jncc.gov.uk/

  6. Kang, E.J., Scrosati, R.A. & Garbary, D.J., 2013. Physiological ecology of photosynthesis in Prasiola stipitata (Trebouxiophyceae) from the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Phycological Research, 61 (3), 208-216.

  7. Lee, R.E., 2008. Phycology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  8. Lewin, R.A., 1955. Culture of Prasiola stipitata Suhr. Canadian Journal of Botany, 33, 5-10.

  9. Rindi, F., Guiry, M.D., Barbiero, R.P. & Cinelli, F., 1999. The marine and terrestrial Prasiolales (Chlorophyta) of Galway City, Ireland: A morphological and ecological study. Journal of Phycology, 35 (3), 469-482.

  10. Russell, G., 1991. Environmental constraints on microevolution in Prasiola stipitata s. lat. (Prasiolales: Chlorophyta). Nordic Journal of Botany, 11 (4), 487-492.

  11. Van den Hoek, C., Mann, D.G. & Jahns, H.M., 1995. Algae: an introduction to phycology: Cambridge University Press.

  12. Wootton, J.T., 1991. Direct and indirect effects of nutrients on intertidal community structure: variable consequences of seabird guano. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 151, 139-153.

Citation

This review can be cited as:

Tyler-Walters, H., 2016. Prasiola stipitata on nitrate-enriched supralittoral or littoral fringe rock. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 28-03-2024]. Available from: https://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitat/detail/88

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Last Updated: 27/03/2016