Scientific Programmes
The Dove Laboratory staff are also involved in a variety of research programmes including:
- Long-term monitoring of plankton (1970- ) and benthic organisms (1965- ) off the local coast. These programmes continue established research studies. Current work is examining the relationship between changes in plankton and climate change, and recovery of the benthos following the cessation of sewage sludge dumping at sea.
- The use of fish diseases as biological monitors of anthropogenic influences in local estuaries.
- Global antifouling problems.
- The impact caused by bait and mollusc collection from local shores.
The involvement of volunteers and special interest groups to collect data on the biodiversity of intertidal species and the incidence of fish diseases.
- Net technology and the reduction of the bycatch problem.
- The effect of changed photoperiod and temperature on the reproduction of polychaetes.