Historical effects of periodic trampling on the cover of Hormosira banksii

This study examines the effects of experimental trampling on Hormosira banksii dominated rocky intertidal platforms within the Point Nepean National Park, Victoria between 1991 and 1996. This dataset gives the percent cover of the brown algae Hormosira banskii in response to different intensities and histories of experimental trampling. Percent cover of Hormosira banksii was assessed on three occasions: end of summer 1994-1995, pre-summer 1995-1996, end of summer 1995-1996. A comparison of areas of shoreline that had been trampled for two and four summers did not appear to influence the response to a new trampling episode. However, it was recognised that a mild summer experience during the trial may have reduced the potential impact of trampling, weakening the capacity to detect historical effects.