Investigating the Impact of Floating Wetlands on Ynys Mon
As part of our Floating Wetland project, funded by local nature partnerships, we recently carried out an exciting study to assess the ecological impact of our wetlands at Llyn Maelog, Rhosneigr, and Llyn Penrhyn, RAF Valley.
Zooplankton Sampling with Envirobotics
A team from Envirobotics conducted a zooplankton survey using a plankton trawl net. They collected samples from five transects beneath the floating wetlands and another five transects from an adjacent open water control site. These samples will be sent to a laboratory where scientists will identify and count the different plankton species. By comparing the samples from the wetland and control sites, we hope to determine whether the floating wetlands support a greater abundance and diversity of zooplankton.
Zooplankton are a crucial part of freshwater ecosystems, serving as a key food source for fish and playing an essential role in maintaining water quality. If the wetlands encourage more zooplankton, they could provide a boost to local biodiversity and enhance the ecological health of these lakes.
Measuring Nutrient Removal
In addition to the zooplankton study, we also harvested emergent and root plant material from five coir mats. These samples will be sent to a lab for nutrient biomass analysis, helping us estimate the total nutrient removal achieved by the wetlands after one growing season. Floating wetlands can help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which in turn reduces the risk of harmful algal blooms and supports a healthier aquatic environment.
Why This Matters
Floating wetlands provide a nature-based solution to improving water quality while also creating valuable habitat for wildlife. By studying their impact on zooplankton populations and nutrient removal, we can better understand their effectiveness and explore ways to expand their use in other freshwater systems.
