Date Awarded

1966

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Abstract

Investigations were conducted from 15 May 1964 to 3 January 1966 to determine the incidence, distribution, and abundance of marine invertebrate fouling organisms in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Dredging carried out at seven stations revealed that benthic organisms most likely to be involved in fouling were Thuiaria argentea, Alcyonidium verrilli, Microciona prolifera, Amathia vidovici, and Aeverrillia armata. All of these species occur in the Pier 12 berthing area of the Norfolk Naval Base, with. !· argentea and~- verrilli being most abundant. Detailed studies of the organisms attaching to asbestos fiber test panels were made at Pier 12 of the Naval Base. Attachment occurred throughout the year, but was heaviest from May to November, and lightest from January to March. Preliminary results indicate· that the intensity of fouling differs from station to station in the harbor as well as from year to year at the same station. A regular cyclic pattern of dominance occurred on the panels as a result of the reproductive periods of the organisms. Barnacles (Balanus improvisus) dominated in spring and autumn, while tunicates (Molgula manhattensis, Botryllus schlosseri) and serpulids (Hydroides hexagona) dominated in summer. Maximum accumulated dry weight of fouling on test panels occurred in May, August, and November.

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.25773/v5-4p98-6a56

Rights

© The Author

Download

Share Feedback

Share

COinS