Citation: Kitching, J.A., Larkum, A.W.D., Norton, T.A., Partridge, J.C. & Shand, J. 1990 The ecology of Lough ine. XXV. An ecological study of the Whirlpool Cliff, Lough Hyne (Ine). Progress in Underwater Science 15: 101-132
Number of Pages: 32
Keywords: Alga, Checklist, Cnidaria, Community, Cork, Currents, Ecology, Fauna, Flora, Habitat, Lough Hyne, Marine, Marine Inlet, Mollusca, Reserve, Seaweed, Sublittoral, Survey
Abstract: The Whirlpool Cliff faces a strong current during the four hours of inflow in the Rapids, but there is little water movement during the 8.5 hours of outflow. The cliff is steep and in places overhangs towards the south, but less steep on its west side. Water currents and the light cut off by overshadowing have been measured. Divers have obtained many quadrats for the determination of standing crops and zonation of algae and for the description of quantities of sedentary animals. The cliff extends under water to a depth of 17 m. Laminaria saccharina dominated on shallow upward-facing surfaces. Laminaria hyperborea grows sparsely and poorly, mainly at moderate depths. Several algal species grow most vigorously near the bottom of the cliff. Overhanging surfaces are well populated by Corynactis viridis (Anthozoa). 117 species of algae and 100 species of sedentary or slow-moving animals reported from the cliff. Distribution is discussed in relation to ecological factors.