Anne C. Crook

Quantifying daily migration in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

In Ireland the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Echinoidea) typically inhabits intertidal bored holes. At Lough Hyne, Co. Cork, a population occurs associated with rock scree in the shallow subtidal zone. This study provides unequivocal quantitative evidence to demonstrate diurnal migration in a population of P. lividus at Lough Hyne, Ireland. Most size groups/age-classes did not to migrate, the youngest always and oldest never occurring under rocks. Those that did migrate between the lower and upper surface of rocks (2+, 3 + and 4 + age categories) did so in exactly the reverse circadian pattern to those described from the Mediterranean Sea.

Comparative study of the covering reaction of the purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, under laboratory and field conditions

Abiotic and biotic aspects of the covering behaviour of the purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) were systematically examined in situ and in the laboratory to analyse potential intra-population differences in the nature of this behaviour. In the field, significant differences in the occurrence of covering behaviour were found between age groups. Smaller P. lividus covered at higher frequencies than larger individuals. Higher proportions of individuals were also observed to cover during afternoon sampling periods. Significant differences in the types of covering material used were found between P. lividus observed in the laboratory and in the field. These findings suggest that the benefits and/or opportunities of covering behaviour may change with size and habitat.

Sea temperature variability and Paracentrotus lividus (Echinoidea) population fluctuations

Observations and censi of the echinoid Paracentrotus lividus over 40 y at Lough Hyne marine nature reserve have revealed population fluctuations of >4 orders of magnitude. The P. lividus population has been anomalously low since the mid 1980s. The population age–size structure has also changed considerably and is now dominated by older individuals. Sea temperature is a known and important determinant of spawning (and recruitment) in this species. In certain years sea surface temperatures (SST) may not reach critical values for P. lividus mass-spawning to be triggered. In addition, toxic dinoflagellate blooms may have been responsible for large-scale mortalities within short periods. Years of anomalously low SSTs match the timing of critical decreases in the Lough Hyne P. lividus population. Years with low maximum SSTs coincide with the timing of major El Niňo Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. We suggest a SST and possibly ENSO link to unfished (Lough Hyne) P. lividus population changes and propose such links as potential aggravating factors in the decline of the fisheries.

Research skills training for undergraduate researchers: the pedagogical approach of the STARS project.

Abstract The Scientific Training by Assignment for Research Students (STARS) project (http://www.ucc.ie/research/stars) comprises of an internet-based learning resource that has been designed to help undergraduate students develop a number of fundamental skills associated with conducting scientific research. In particular, it aims to improve the ability of students to plan, design, manage and execute scientific research whilst providing opportunities for formative assessment and rapid feedback. We describe the content and pedagogical approach adopted by STARS with a particular emphasis on its incorporation of the principles of experiential learning. We use our experience of designing the STARS resource to reflect more generally on both science education and the development of research skills in undergraduate degrees.