Occurrence of Sphagnum moss in the sublittoral of several Galloway lochs, with particular reference to Loch Fleet

Abstract

A survey of the sublittoral vegetation of eight Galloway lochs in 1985 showed that Sphagnum was abundant in L. Fleet. It was found in four other lochs, being particularly abundant in Loch Stroan and Loch Troal. Reference to historical data suggests that Sphagnum established after 1905, while evidence from sediment cores indicates a very recent appearance Cpost-19601 in Loch Fleet. These changes may be a floristic response to water acidification in Galloway