Variation in maternal provisioning in Watersipora subtorquata

A number of marine organisms do not provide any resources for their offspring other than the initial investment in larva. The extent of larval provisioning can be a strong determinant of larval fitness. Considerable variation in larval provisioning has been demonstrated but the factors responsible for this variation are not well understood. This dataset assesses if larval provisioning in the encrusting bryozoan Watersipora subtorquata is influenced by i) colony size, ii) colony age or iii) physical damage. To determine if these response vary with site conditions studies were undertaken at two locations within Port Phillip Bay, Victoria; Workshops Jetty, Williamstown and St Kilda pier, between September 2006 and March 2007.