NMBAQC

Macroalgae

Contract Manager:  Clare Scanlan, SEPA

The NMBAQC is now developing external tests for various Water Framework Directive (WFD) quality elements, in addition to the marine benthic macroinvertebrates scheme it has run traditionally. One of these quality elements is macroalgae. Trials were run, and a formal exercise is now being advertised. The exercises may be used as training exercises or for assessment of analytical performance. All scheme participants have a unique laboratory code for confidentiality.

The macroalgae component has two modules, one for rockyshore algal identification and one for opportunistic macroalgae cover and biomass (this test will include seagrass cover, with a view to a more formal seagrass cover test in future).

Please note - applications have now closed for the below exercises which will be run at the end of April, 2010. 

Module 1 Rockyshore Macroalgae Identification

(Component administrator 2010: Prof. Christine Maggs, Queens University Belfast)

Ring Test (RM-RT)

A photographic ring test of twenty specimens will be sent out to participating laboratories (NB: multiple individuals can participate within a laboratory). This will be comprised of a range of taxa, some of which are from the Reduced Species List (used for Water Framework Directive monitoring). There will be up to five photographs of each taxon, and some habitat information. Taxa included may come from anywhere across the UK and Ireland. Participants should identify the species from the photographs and information given. Results of ring tests will be circulated in a bulletin along with comments on noted identification issues. Full instructions will be given to participants with the exercise.

Reverse Ring Test (RM-RRT)

A trial reverse ring test, comparable to the "own sample" module of the benthic invertebrate component will be run for a small number of laboratories, with a view to developing this into a routine test. Full instructions of this exercise will be given to participants in advance.  These may be a combination of photographs, pressed specimens, actual specimens.

Module 2  Opportunistic macroalgae cover and biomass

(Component administrator 2010: Dr. Emma Wells, Wells Marine)

 Algal cover ring test (OMC-RT)    

This exercise will consist of 20 photographs of quadrats with different levels of percentage cover of bloom-forming algae which will be sent out to participating laboratories (NB: multiple individuals can participate within a laboratory). Photographs may also include seagrasses, as they can co-occur with algae. Participants will assess the percentage cover within quadrats using their normal estimation method. Full instructions will be given to participants with the exercise.  Results will be circulated in a bulletin along with commentary where any significant discrepancies arise.

N.B. If there is sufficient interest in running a separate exercise for seagrass, this could be done in future. Please indicate if you would like this option at some point. 

Biomass ring test (OMB-RT)         

Several mock algal samples will be circulated to each participating laboratory (NB: this test can only be done once within each laboratory). These will be made of synthetic material, as it is impractical to send round live material due to the risks of deterioration and non-reproducibility. Mock algal samples will be mixed with sediment, participants should rinse and remove excess water, using their normal method. The sample is then weighed both wet and air dried. Full instructions will be given to participants with the exercise. Results will be compared with the original weights to give an assessment of the efficacy of participants' sample treatment.  Results will be circulated in a bulletin along with commentary where any significant discrepancies arise.