Surveys of artificial basins
Saline enclosed dock basins are an unusual marine habitat sharing features in common with both marine and freshwater systems. They are relatively closed systems akin to freshwater lakes but their often high salinity allows them to support many benthic filter feeders, more typical of marine systems.
Problems with water quality have often been experienced in these basins, which can lower their amenity and commercial value. The redevelopment of the Liverpool South Docks was completed in 1985. During the 1980s and 1990s, a considerable amount of research was carried out by PhD students of Prof. Steve Hawkins (then at the University of Liverpool) who is the project leader on the URBANE project.
Surveys will take place in February 2012.