IMIS

Sublittoral sites were surveyed by scuba diving from a rigid inflatable boat and littoral sites by direct observation on the shore. Sites were surveyed following the procedures laid out Hiscock (1990). For each site, and habitats within each site, a description was made of the main physical and biological features. The relative abundance of all conspicuous species present are recorded, categorised as rare, occasional, frequent, common, abundant or super abundant using the scales in Hiscock (1990). Habitats were selected from the main biological subzones and range of substrata present. Details of each site were recorded on sublittoral/littoral site sublittoral habitat and littoral habitat forms which facilitate data collation and transfer to a database. Photographs were taken to illustrate the range of habitats, communities and species present at as many of the sites as possible. Specimens were collected to improve in situ identification skills and to contribute to a voucher collection of the species present in the survey area. Specimens were lodged in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin. A voucher collection algae present in the area and those that could not be identified were sent to Prof. M. Guiry, University College, Galway for identification.