The distribution, relative abundance and diversity of echinoderms in the eastern English Channel, Bristol Channel, and Irish Sea

The distribution and relative abundance of macroepibenthic echinoderms in t he eastern English Channel and Irish Sea is described from beam trawl catch es. Echinoderms accounted for approximately 29% (by biomass) of fauna captu red. A total of 24 species were recorded, including 12 species of starfish. The most frequently encountered species were Asterias rubens and Psammechi nus miliaris, which were recorded at 85.5% and 56.0% of stations respective ly. Asterias rubens and Ophiothrix fragilis accounted for 63.7% and 25.5% ( by biomass) respectively of the echinoderms sampled. Mean echinoderm catche s ranged from 0.8-kg h(-1) in the north-eastern English Channel to 329-kg h (-1) in the south-eastern Irish Sea. The echinoderm fauna was more diverse in the St George's Channel and western Irish Sea (6.7-7.0 species haul(-1)) than in the north-eastern English Channel (1.9 species haul(-1)).