Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2009
Haliotis tuberculata L. densities and population distributions were assessed for 13 sublittoral sites around the coasts of Jersey, Channel Isles using SCUBA techniques. Twenty 1 m2 quadrats were assessed at each site at 5 m below lowest spring tide level (LSTL). Mean densities at each site ranged from 0·05 animals m−2 to 2·35 animals m−2, while the overall mean for the whole island was 0·79 animals m−2 (s.e.=0·24). Population density (D) declined with increasing mean animal length (LTH). The slope of the equation relating loge D to loge LTH was -6·92. Data collected at 2 m, 5 m, 8 m and 10 m below LSTL at two sites showed no trend in mean animal length with depth at one of the sites, but it did increase slightly with depth (1·3 mm nr−1) at the other.