WADER’s main macroalgae research site is Budle Bay in Northumberland, which has been heavily affected by algal blooms in recent years. A shallow, sheltered bay at the confluence of Ross Low Burn, Waren Burn and other field-drains and streams, Budle Bay is an ideal environment for ‘trapping’ nutrients.
We are conducting in-depth lab analysis of the algae alongside scientific modelling to better understand what is causing excessive macroalgal growth. This will enable us to set up water quality interventions upstream.
The first phase of work has involved assessing the current state of the area by measuring nutrient levels in algae and water, probing the sediment itself as well as detecting the fauna present.
In June 2023, WADER gathered the first macroalgae, sediment, epifaunal, and water samples from the Budle Bay mat for laboratory testing. We then set in motion a methodology to collect and process data monthly, enabling us to see changes over time. We are currently monitoring 35 quadrats across seven locations within the Bay to assess quantity of algae, alga types and invertebrate species present.
All samples are taken back to Newcastle University’s Dove Marine Laboratory in Cullercoats where our research students are washing, processing, studying under microscopes, running aquarium experiments and laboratory analyses including particle size, taxonomy, genetics and stable isotope work.
With this data, we will be able to determine the nutrient levels in the water, the in- and epifaunal habitats and the origins of the excess nitrogen.
The team will work closely with the wildlife wardens of the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve to track bird life at Budle Bay, tracking numbers and breeding successes – an important indicator of a system in or out of balance.
