Tees Estuary Inter-tidal Project 2013 - Opportunistic Macroalgae Percentage Cover (December 2013)

Two surveys were carried out as part of year 2 of the WFD (Water Framework Directive) Tees inter-tidal project on behalf of Natural England from 17th - 19th September and 9th - 10th December by Ecospan Environmental Ltd. The first survey collected macrofaunal data from sediment cores from three areas (Seal sands, North Gare Sands and Bran Sands) as well as assessing the macroalgal mat extent and biomass at Seal Sands whereas the second survey concentrated on the algal mats exclusively. Sampling methodology followed that used during year 1 of the project. The aim of these surveys was to collect data and samples to provide an up-to-date baseline for a number of key indicators (extent of algal mats, infaunal community structure/biomass and sediment granulometry) and analyse these to identify any trends or issues with reference to the historical data.