Changes in the littoral macroinvertebrate assemblages of Oak Mere from 1980 to 1998

Abstract

Data on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of Oak Mere, England are presented for the period 1980 to 1998. There was a marked fall in species richness and numbers of individuals associated with a fall in surface level. Correlations between surface level, areas of vegetation and aspects of the macroinvertebrate assemblages are demonstrated.

Keywords:

• Macroinvertebrates
• Oak Mere
• species richness

Acknowledgements

We thank Mr William Fergusson, the owner, and Mr Colin Hayes of English Nature for permission to visit and collect at Oak Mere. Also a special word of thanks to Miss Zena M. Butler and Mrs Hazel A. Hulme for typing the manuscript.