RESEARCH DAY
2013
Contents
Falmouth Marine Enterprise (FaME)
01 Abbey Bullimore - FdSc Marine Science
13 Jessica Kesik - FdSc Marine Sports Science
02 Alex J. Sullivan - FdSc Marine Science
14 Jonathan Teague - FdSc Marine Science
03 Antonia Birch - FdSc Marine Science
15 Lauren Bambury - FdSc Marine Science
04 Barney Hallawell - FdSc Marine Science
16 Mary Connley - FdSc Marine Sports Science
05 Bryony Nash - FdSc Marine Science
17 Matthew Rayers - FdSc Marine Science
06 Charlotte Elliss - FdSc Marine Science
18 Michael Smith - FdSc Marine Science
07 Chloe Burrin - FdSc Marine Science
19 Nick Archer - FdSc Marine Science
08 Clare Marshall - FdSc Marine Science
20 Samuel Mullan - FdSc Marine Sports Science
09 Eirian Kettle - FdSc Marine Science
21 Stefanie Krafft - FdSc Marine Science
10 Emily Bensusan-Sterry - FdSc Marine Science
22 Stuart Swanepoel - FdSc Marine Science
11 Jack O’Byrne - FdSc Marine Sports Science
23 Thomas Greaves - FdSc Marine Sports Science
12 James Kerton - FdSc Marine Science
24 Thorsten Wale - FdSc Marine Science
Making partnerships happen for industry, academics and students. FaME is a partnership programme developed as a result of the industry’s need for concrete evidence about the issues and solutions that affect it. With increasing economic pressure to improve performance, industry needs to train and give experience to its future workforce. With increasing fees and fewer jobs, students need to be ready for the workplace from the offset. Matching these two factors has created the Falmouth Marine Enterprise (FaME) partnership, where practical industry projects are linked directly to student research.
Student Research Projects 01 Abbey Bullimore – FdSc Marine Science abi.bull@live.co.uk A rocky shore project and its effect on learning outcomes in 6-10 year old children Looking to the oceans for our next resource we need to know what effects and issues this makes. We find that our decisions are affecting the next generation. So I thought why not let them know what is in the ocean and how they can do something now even though they are only eight. This does not just promote learning in a new environment but also will get them thinking whenever they go to the seaside. The overall aim the project is to get young people to engage in scientific learning through their environment. This research would be conducted in Cornwall because it is a coastal region, thus it had a rich marine habitat.
02 Alex Sullivan – FdSc Marine Science alexsullivan10@aol.com A baseline study of comparison into how recreational and industrial maritime activity may impact the distribution and introduction of native and non-native sessile marine organisms In to the Fal SAC My project is an adapted follow on project from ex-student Steve Downing. I am collecting data from two key locations within the Fal SAC: Falmouth Harbour Commissioners Yacht Haven (recreational marina) and A&P dockyards (industrial dockyard). By doing this I am hoping to compare the relative abundance and biodiversity of sessile marine organisms with a native versus non-native assessment of two locations. The original concept and method of my project is adapted from the Marine Biological Association.
Student Research Projects 03 Antonia Birch – FdSc Marine Science antonia.birch@hotmail.com Investigating the effects of blue shark, Prionace glauca, angling off the cornish coast, during 2012 Blue shark angling is a common practice around the Cornish coast, with many clubs participating in a ‘Tag and Release’ program. This project looks specifically into blue shark, Prionace glauca, angling within the Western English Channel and uses data collected during 2012 by anglers from Looe Shark Angling Club. This data was then used in comparison to Steve Williams’ project, undertaken in 2007, as well as sea surface temperatures collected by Plymouth Laboratory. These results will provide insight into the migratory patterns and best fishing grounds for Prionace glauca. Web Portfolio: http://tinyurl.com/cnnf6am
04 Barney Hallawell – FdSc Marine Science bt.hallawell@hotmail.co.uk A Base Line Study into Marine Settling Species in the Fal The purpose of this investigation was to observe, record and analyse which species (especially invasive species) settled on 8 sterile, 10cm by 10cm PVC panels which were suspended in two rows in the upper 2m of water in the Yacht Haven area of Falmouth Harbour, for a period of 7 months between October and April. The panels were initially removed from the water and observed on a weekly basis for data collection, however individuals fell casualty to the removal process so removal was discontinued and the panels remained in situ until final data collection. The study will be useful for anyone who has stake in something with a submerged surface.
Student Research Projects 05 Bryony Nash - FdSc Marine Science bryonynash@hotmail.co.uk Cornwall IFCA district mixed edible crab, Cancer pagurus, landings per unit effort, 2011, by ICES sub-square The European edible crab, Cancer pagurus, is landed by the majority of fishing vessels working inside Cornwall’s inshore waters either as directly targeted species, as a seasonal part of their annual fishing effort or as a bycatch. This project looked specifically at the landings per unit effort for edible crab, Cancer pagurus, around the Cornish coast using only pot data. Data was initially inputted for 400 boats, producing 1700 single sets of data for this project. This data was then analysed and published in a Shellfish News article printed by CEFAS. Web Portfolio: http://tinyurl.com/d69b5w3
06 Charlotte Elliss - FdSc Marine Science charlielliss@hotmail.com Biodiversity assessment of native and non-native marine species within the Fal and Helford estuaries In my final year I am undertaking an investigative project assessing the biodiversity of marine native and non-native marine species in the Fal and Helford intertidal zones which, when completed, should give conclusive results into how non-native species are effecting our native marine populations. The study involves the surveying of 10 sites on each estuary and recording species abundance using the ACFOR scale. The two estuaries will then be statistically compared to see if there is any difference in their biodiversity. Also a detailed GIS map will be produced to show the survey sites and results from each site.
Student Research Projects 07 Chloe Burrin – FdSc Marine Science chloe.burrin@hotmail.com FALPIP (Falmouth Photo Identification Project) Atlantic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are commonly found around Cornwall. They haul themselves on to Black Rock at low tide at certain times of the year. I was surveying the seals found on Black Rock and comparing those found here to the numbers found on Porthtowan Beach and on Looe Island. With this data, it will help to find the locations of the seals throughout the year and will help further surveys in this area in the future. Sue Sayer and Captain Keith have helped with this project, without them this project wouldn’t have been possible.
08 Clare Marshall – FdSc Marine Science clmarshall100@gmail.com Mapping the extent and biodiversity of Common Eelgrass, Zostera marina at Polruan Pool, Fowey Harbour a Voluntary Marine Conservation area (VMCA) Seagrass is an important sub tidal habitat which is under threat from anthropogenic impacts including; coastal development, eutrophication, anchor damage, physical disturbance, water pollution, climate change and the introduction of non-native species. This project maps the extent, health and biodiversity of Zostera marina in Polruan Pool, Fowey Harbour, Cornwall. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was used to undertake an initial survey from a boat recording the position, depth and density of Zostera marina along five transects. Following this, a scuba diving survey along one transect was undertaken to establish species biodiversity. Web Portfolio: http://tinyurl.com/c7kn2mp
Student Research Projects 09 Eirian Kettle - FdSc Marine Science twowords_icantcount@hotmail.com Antifouls: A continued assessment of their effectiveness, developments and environmental impacts A continuation project from Helen Wakeman with an aim to creating a template process for a future, more permanent, study. With the support of Hempels Paint and Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, I have a selection of antifoul covered panels in the water to study the percentage coverage, biomass and species settlement on them in comparison to antifoul- free control panels. This study is aimed at quantifying scientific analysis of antifoul effectiveness, future developments in antifoul and the environmental impact of antifoul secretion on the Fal.
10 Emily Bensusan-Sterry - FdSc Marine Science emilybensusan_sterry@hotmail.com Marine Benthic Biotope Mapping Using Drop-down Cameras in the Fal and Helford Estuary Several projects have been carried out over the past 20 years into the abundance of flora and fauna within the intertidal zone of the shore line. This project will record and interpret the changes in the quality and quantity of organisms over the past 20 years when compared to a study undertaken in 1992 by Dr Tompsett. The data collected will provide insight into the key areas of conservation as well as analysing the potential impacts that we are having on the intertidal zone.
Student Research Projects 11 Jack O’Byrne - FdSc Marine Sports Science jack.obyrne@ymail.com “Trying things once”. A study into how participating in extreme sports can overcome individuals initial perceived fears and anxiety involving heights. A common phrase in the English language is “I will try anything once” and by using questionnaires and measuring heart rate I aim to see if there is any plausibility to this hypothesis. This investigation looks into how subjects can overcome fear of heights by participating in the outdoor activity of Coasteering, which can involve jumping from high rocks into the sea. The reason for conducting this research is to submit the findings to outdoor adventure companies that conduct coasteering in the hope is it will aid coasteering leaders who have anxious participants to assist them to be involved in jumps as part of coasteering allowing them to try more challenging coasteers, progress in the activity and enjoy it more.
12 James Kerton – FdSc Marine Science Marine benthic biotope mapping using drop-down cameras in the Fal and Helford Estuary As Human uses for the marine environment grow there is an increasing need to understand the distribution and extent of marine habitats. Biotope mapping provides a visual understanding of habitat distribution which can be used to limit potential threats and aid in the sustainable use of the marine environment. This project investigates the use of drop down cameras to classify and map marine benthic biotopes in an attempt to provide baseline data and a valid methodology for future use.
Student Research Projects 13 Jessica Kesik – FdSc Marine Sport Science jessica_kesik@hotmail.com Does music have a significant effect on five minutes kayaking performance? Music has become a factor of everyday life both in and out of the sporting world. In a sporting environment music is starting to be used by athletes in an attempt to motivate them and improve their level of performance. Previous studies have shown that music can have a significant effect on regulating arousal, motivation or even stress relief. This project is investigating whether music motivates subjects and increases their level of performance by undertaking five minutes kayaking activity with and without music to determine if the hypothesis is true.
14 Jonathan Teague – FdSc Marine Science jonathan.teague@outlook.com The use of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle) in benthic video surveys around the Cornish coast, looking at the suitability of ROV in various deployments and the use of R&D (research and development) to prototype a low budget ROV for educational use. There is a real need for an affordable ROV for colleges and universities offering courses in the marine sector as they usually have a low budget for equipment. The cost could be reduced to around 260th of the cost compared to Video Ray. The ROV could also provide data for on-going and future projects and used in conjunction with other college equipment to deliver even more experience to its students in scientific methods and equipment procedure as well as producing video evidence and giving students a wider range of results on marine studies. http://tinyurl.com/cn7zehk
Student Research Projects 15 Lauren Bambury - FdSc Marine Science Ljb.1992@live.co.uk Cornwall IFCA district lobster LPUE 2011 by ICES Sub-square The main purpose of this work and the initial driver behind the development of the project was to provide a baseline assessment of stocks of European Lobster within Cornwall’s inshore waters through analysing landings per unit effort. Working in conjunction with CIFCA and also the National Lobster Hatchery offered a unique opportunity to gather more detailed information on these valuable fisheries, which play such a dynamic role in the survival of the Cornish fishing industry.
16 Mary Connley - FdSc Marine Sports Science mconnley92@gmail.com Is there a significant increase of athlete’s recovery rate after short term exercise with the consumption of an isotonic drink? Isotonic sports drinks have become very popular for athletes in training as well as with the general public. This project is designed to find out whether isotonic sports drinks have a significant effect on the recovery rate of an athlete after short term exercise. The results of this project will aim to prove whether or not a member of the general public who exercises for short periods of time needs to spend money on isotonic sports drinks to aid their recovery.
Student Research Projects 17 Matthew Rayers - FdSc Marine Science Mrayers82@hotmail.com Investigation into the extent of eelgrass species in the sub littoral zone of Gyllyngvase Beach There has been a sharp upsurge in interest in monitoring and mapping sea grass habitats around the UK coast. These species are considered a key base species supporting a larger network and have been given priority under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Members of the public reported the existence of sea grass Zostera marina within Falmouth Bay. My project investigates the extent or existence of this species off Gyllyngvase beach alongside an investigation into cost effective survey techniques. http://tinyurl.com/cbc892p
18 Michael Smith – FdSc Marine Science mikesmith_08@hotmail.co.uk Non-native and non-established species on intertidal areas from an assessment survey within the Fal Harbour The aim of the project is to assess the abundance of non-native invasive species within the Fal estuary. The project follows on research originally conducted by William P. West. Methodology used originally created by Dr P. Tompsett in order to carry out transect surveys in intertidal areas. Ten separate locations around the Fal estuary have been chosen by W. West, with five on the west and five on the east side. As the research will have two set of results from different years comparison can be made to assess if there have been any changes between abundance of non-native species.
Student Research Projects 19 Nick Archer – FdSc Marine Science Nickarcher25@gmail.com An investigation into the sourcing, supply and sensory characteristics of cod (Gadhus morhua) As the global issue of overfishing becomes more prevalent, the supply and sustainability of the UK’s favourite fish, cod, becomes a more prominent issue. One third of all cod caught globally are consumed in the UK (Kuhn, 2006), mainly at fish and chip restaurants. I have worked with one of the UK’s most sustainable Fish and Chip Restaurants; Harbour Lights, to investigate, via the use of sensory evaluation; the difference in the public’s perceptions of MSC Certified sustainable cod (caught and deep frozen in the Barents Sea) and of Cod caught in the Western Channel, stored on ice and landed locally in Newlyn. http://tinyurl.com/c5mfzgn
20 Samuel Mullan - FdSc Marine Sports Science no1mullan@hotmail.com The most effective way to educate an individual to don a lifejacket quickly and successfully My second year project is looking into the most effective way to educate people on how to correctly don a life jacket. Many tourists with little or no marine experience visit Cornwall every year to spend time on the water whether it be sailing on a yacht or on a passenger vessel. the study is comparing instructional video and instructional leaflet methods. In a marine evacuation situation such as a fire or collision at sea, time is crucial and every second counts if there is a more effective way of educating people to don a life jacket quickly and efficiently then this could potentially one day save a life at sea.
Student Research Projects 21 Stefanie Krafft – FdSc Marine Science 34ctl@gmail.com The distribution and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around the coast of Cornwall My project looks at distribution and behaviour, it is important for a number of factors such as; their abundance and for ecotourism groups, enabling them to find marine life. The data was obtained, analysed and plotted on a GIS map to clearly see their distribution, behaviour and dates of sightings. Along with this analysis, there is a comparison of photographs of fins to see if the same dolphins are seen around the coast of Cornwall. Web portfolio: http://tinyurl.com/bw6pawr
22 Stuart Swanepoel - FdSc Marine Science stuart.swanepoel@hotmail.co.uk An investigation into bio-rock technology and its effectiveness for helping corals accumulate bio-mass 4.55 billion years ago Earth formed, 3.5 billion years ago life began and 200 thousand years ago Homosapians appeared. In 100 years we have heated the Earth’s surface, acidified the oceans and decimated natural habitats. More than 1/4 of the world’s coral reefs have already died or are at a very high risk. About 1/3 of all reef-building corals are facing extinction. That’s why I’m investigating into methods to help corals survive this new acidic water.
Student Research Projects 23 Thomas Greaves – FdSc Marine Sports Science greaves.thomas@yahoo.com The Grumpy Surfer - An investigation into the psychology between non- competitive surfers whilst participating in the sport The aim of the research was to establish what affects the enjoyment of surfing. There are several variables that have to be taken into consideration whilst surfing, through the use of questionnaire’s the projects aim is to find out what these variables are and how much they affect individuals whilst surfing.
24 Thorsten Wale – FdSc Marine Science thorsten_wale@hotmail.co.uk To Analyse the population Change and size of Juvenile Dicentrarchus labrax in the Fal Estuary and Helford Nursery Areas from 2007 to 2011 I have looked at how well populations of Dicentrarchus labrax are doing at Lamorran Gully and Ruan Creek in the Fal; Polwheverel Creek, Bonallack and Merthen in the Helford nursery designated areas. The data to be analysed to look at how well the juvenile Dicentrarchus labrax populations are doing previously was collected over the years 2006 – 2011 by Derek Goodwin, measuring the size and number of fish caught. Analysing the data collected to determine, whilst reviewing current sampling methods; looking at possible ways to gain more scientific data from performing surveys in the future.
Falmouth Marine School Falmouth Marine School has an excellent international reputation for marine courses with facilities including boatbuilding and engineering workshops, a dedicated marine science lab and a well equipped watersports centre. We pride ourselves in providing the best possible environment for learning, with courses that focus on activity, providing students with essential practical experience to prepare for employment. Our foundation degrees are approved by Plymouth University and after successful completion of the two-year course students will be given the option to carry on to an identified third year to gain an honours degree. Foundation degrees at Falmouth Marine School: FdSc Marine Science FdSc Marine Sports Science FdSc Marine Technology
03611JW0413
For more information contact Falmouth Marine School: T: 01326 310310 falenquiries@cornwall.ac.uk • www.falmouthmarineschool.ac.uk