Citation: Könnecker, G.F.G. 1981 The epifauna of Kilkieran Bay and Galway Bay with special consideration of the Porifera, Hydoridea and Bryozoa. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, ,
Keywords: Bryozoa, Cnidaria, Community, Connemara, Fauna, Galway, Marine, Porifera, Rock, Sea mat, Sponge, Sublittoral, Survey, Taxonomy
Abstract: A classification of epibenthic associations in Galway Bay with notes on the distribution of sponges, hydroids and bryozoans in Galway Bay and its environs.A program of benthic investigations, executed over the period 1973-1977, was designed to identify and map the distribution of the epibenthic associations in the Greater Galway Bay area. Particular taxonomic attention was given to the Porifera, and, to a lesser extent, to the Hydroidea, Octocorallia, and Bryozoa. Based on an in situ, non-quantitative survey of Kilkieran Bay, seven epibenthic associations are described, ie the Laminaria saccharina Association, the Raspailia - Stelligera Association, the Lithothamnium Association, the Musculus discors Association, the Upper Laminaria hyperborea Association, and the Axinella dissimilis Association. Their species composition is outlined against a background of certain information on the physical environment. A dredging survey of Galway also established the existence of the Lower Laminaria hyperborea Association and the Axinella dissimilis Association in this area. A further assemblage, the Tethyopsilla - Tetilla Association, was identified from deep water. Factors which are presumed to influence the distribution of species within and between epibenthic associations are discussed, ie salinity, temperature, light and water movement and sedimentation. The described associations are compared with 'equivalents' in other geographical areas. An account of the Porifera in the study area is given, containing the author's own records as well as those for all coastal waters of Ireland to a depth of 200 m. Of the 175 species and two subspecies in the list, 125 were recorded by the author; six species and one subspecies are described as being new to science, and 22 species represent new records for Ireland. The Hydroidea and Octocorallia for the study area are listed and contain 65 species, of which 55 were recorded by the author. 83 species of Bryozoa are recorded and, of these, 70 were taken by the author.