Robo-Limpets

We have been collecting data from the rocky shore using a new innovative piece of technology – Robo-Limpets! Robo-Limpets provide temperature data that mimics the internal body temperature experienced by intertidal molluscs (limpets, marine snails, mussels etc). We have placed a Robo-Limpet alongside a logger recording air and seawater temperature in three rocky shore habitats: in a pool (underwater), on a patch of open rock (in the sunlight) and on an under hang (in the shade).

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As the tide goes out, many of the molluscs on the rocky shore are exposed to the elements, meaning they must be adapted to survive in long periods of time out of the water. During times of exposure, they also must cope with high temperatures. As global temperature rise, the effect this is having on intertidal animals could be catastrophic, especially if the increase is occurring quicker than the animals are able to adapt.

 

The Robo-Limpet project is led by Newcastle University, and covers a large stretch of the East Coast of the UK. With thanks to NatureScot we have been able to purchase Robo-Limpets which have been deployed across the BMR.

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