Development of benthic monitoring methods using photoquadrats and scuba on heterogeneous hard-substrata: A boulder-slope community case study

Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

Volumn 21, Issue 7, 2011, Pages 676-689

  van Rein, H ^a   Schoeman, D S ^a   Brown, C J ^a,b   Quinn, R ^a   Breen, J ^c  

^a UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER   (United Kingdom)

^b BEDFORD INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY   (Canada)

^c ENVIRONMENT AGENCY   (United Kingdom)

Author keywords

Benthos; Coastal; Cover estimation; Monitoring; New techniques; Reef; Scuba; Special Area of Conservation (SAC); Sublittoral; Underwater cameras

Indexed keywords

BENTHIC ENVIRONMENT; COMMUNITY STRUCTURE; CORAL REEF; COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS; FUNCTIONAL GROUP; QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS; SAMPLING; SCUBA DIVING; SPATIOTEMPORAL ANALYSIS; SPECIES CONSERVATION; SUBSTRATE; UNDERWATER CAMERA;

EUROPE; IRELAND;

EID: 82155162468     PISSN: 10527613     EISSN: 10990755     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1002/aqc.1224     Document Type: Article

References (78)

1. Anderson MJ. 2001. A new method for non-parametric multivariate analysis of variance. Austral Ecology 26: 32-46.
2. Anderson MJ, Gorley RN, Clarke KR. 2008. PERMANOVA+ for PRIMER: Guide to Software and Statistical Methods. PRIMER-E: Plymouth.
3. Andrew NL, Mapstone BD. 1987. Sampling and the description of spatial patterns in marine ecology. Oceanography and Marine Biology: Annual Review 25: 39-90.
4. Aronson RB, Edmunds PJ, Precht WF, Swanson DW, Levitan DR. 1994. Large-scale, long-term monitoring of Caribbean coral reefs: simple, quick and inexpensive techniques. Atoll Research Bulletin 451: 1-19.
5. Atkins WS. 1997. Geology and physical environment. In Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom: Region 17, Northern Ireland, Barnes JH, Robson CF, Kaznowska SS, Doody JP, Davidson NC, Buck AL (eds). Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough.
6. Barrett N, Edgar G, Lawler M, Halley V. 2007. A quantitative video baseline survey of reef biota and survey of marine habitats within Bathurst Channel, Southwest Tasmania 2002. Tasmania Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute Report, Tasmania.
7. Beaumont JC, Brown CJ, Sayer MDJ. 2007. Evaluation of techniques used in the assessment of subtidal epibiotic assemblage structure. Biofouling 23: 343-356.
8. Bell JJ, Burton M, Bullimore B, Newman P, Lock K. 2006. Morphological monitoring of subtidal sponges. Marine Ecology Progress Series 311: 79-91.
9. Benedetti-Cecchi L, Airoldi L, Abbiati M, Cinelli F. 1996. Estimate the abundance of benthic invertebrates: a comparison of procedures and variability between observers. Marine Ecology Progress Series 138: 93-101.
10. Bohnsack JL. 1979. Photographic quantitative sampling of hard-bottom benthic communities. Bulletin of Marine Science 29: 242-252.
11. Borja A, Franco J, Perez V. 2000. A marine biotic index to establish the ecological quality of soft-bottom benthos within European estuarine and coastal environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin 4: 1100-1114.
12. Bowden DA. 2005. Quantitative characterisation of shallow marine benthic assemblages at Ryder Bay, Adelaide Island, Antarctica. Marine Biology 146: 1235-1249.
13. Breen J, Hanna J, Harrison T. 2006. A Survey of the Marine Environment of Rathlin Island. Environment and Heritage Service Report, Belfast.
14. Brown EK, Cox E, Jokiel PL, Rodgers KS, Smith WR, Tissot BN, Coles SL, Hultquist J. 2004. Development of benthic sampling methods for the Coral Reef assessment and monitoring program (CRAMP) in Hawai'i. Pacific Science 58: 145-158.
15. Buchanan JB, Sheader M, Kingston PF. 1978. Sources of variability in the benthic macrofauna off the south Northumberland coast, 1971-1976. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 58: 191-209.
16. Bullimore B, Hiscock K. 2001. Procedural Guideline No. 3-12: quantitative surveillance of sublittoral rock biotopes and species using photographs. In Marine Monitoring Handbook, Davies J, Baxter J, Bradley M, Connor D, Khan J, Murray E, Sanderson W, Turnbull C, Vincent M (eds). Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough; 315-326.
17. Butler AJ, Connelly RM. 1999. Assemblages of sessile marine invertebrates: still changing after all these years? Marine Ecology Progress Series 182: 109-118.
18. Cabaitan PC, Licuanan WY, Gomez ED. 2007. Comparison between videographic and photographic methods in assessing Coral Reef benthic communities. Science Diliman 19: 7-13.
19. Carballo JL, Vega C, Cruz-Barraza JA, Yanez B, Nava H, Avila E, Wilson M. 2008. Short- and long-term patterns of sponge diversity on a rocky tropical coast: evidence of large-scale structuring factors. Marine Ecology - an Evolutionary Perspective 29: 216-236.
20. Clarke KR, Warwick RM. 2001. Change in Marine Communities: an Approach to Statistical Analysis and Interpretation, 2nd edn. PRIMER-E: Plymouth.
21. Cochrane SKJ, Connor DW, Nilsson P, Mitchell I, Reker J, Franco J, Valavanis V, Moncheva S, Ekebom J, Nygaard K, et al. 2010. Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Guidance on the interpretation and application of Descriptor 1: Biological Diversity. Report by Task Group 1 on Biological Diversity for the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy.
22. Coles SL, Brown EK. 2007. Twenty-five years of change in coral coverage on a hurricane impacted reef in Hawai'i: the importance of recruitment. Coral Reefs 26: 705-717.
23. Davies J. 2001. Establishing monitoring programmes for marine features. In Marine Monitoring Handbook, Davies J, Baxter J, Bradley M, Connor D, Khan J, Murray E, Sanderson W, Turnbull C, Vincent M (eds). Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough; 28-55.
24. Davies J, Baxter J, Bradley M, Connor D, Khan J, Murray E, Sanderson W, Turnbull C, Vincent M. 2001. Marine Monitoring Handbook. Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough.
25. Dethier MN, Graham ES, Cohen S, Tear LM. 1993. Visual versus random point percent cover estimations: 'objective' is not always better. Marine Ecology Progress Series 96: 93-100.
26. Drummond SP, Connell SD. 2005. Quantifying percentage cover of subtidal organisms on rocky coasts: a comparison of the costs and benefits of standard methods. Marine and Freshwater Research 56: 865-876.
27. Duckworth AR, Battershill CN. 2001. Population dynamics and chemical ecology of New Zealand Demospongiae Latrunculia sp. no. and Polymastia croceus (Poecilosclerida: Latrunculiidae: Ploymastiidae). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 35: 935-949.
28. Dumas P, Bertaud A, Peignon C, Léopold M, Pelletier D. 2009. A 'quick and clean' photographic method for the description of coral reef habitats. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 368: 161-168.
29. EC. 2000. Establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy. Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Communities 327: 1-72.
30. EC. 2008. Establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy. Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Communities 164: 19-40.
31. EEC. 1992. On the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. Council Directive 92/43/EEC. Official Journal 206: 7-50.
32. Erwin DG, Picton BE, Connor DW, Howson CM, Gilleece P, Bogues MJ. 1990. Inshore Marine Life of Northern Ireland. Ulster Museum and HMSO: Belfast.
33. Garrison VH, Shinn EA, Miller J, Carlo M, Rodriguez RW, Koltes K. 2005. Benthic Cover on Coral Reefs of Isla de Culebra (Puerto Rico) 1991-1998 and a Comparison of Assessment Techniques. US Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1398, Florida.
34. Goldberg NA, Foster MS. 2002. Settlement and post-settlement processes limit the abundance of the geniculate coralline alga Calliarthron on subtidal walls. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 278: 31-45.
35. Goodwin C, Picton B, Breen J, Edwards H, Nunn J. 2009. Sublittoral Survey Northern Ireland: A review of the status of Northern Ireland Priority Species of marine invertebrates. Northern Ireland Environment Agency Report, Belfast.
36. Goodwin C, Edwards H, Breen J, Picton B. 2010. Rathlin Island: A Survey Report from the Nationally Important Marine Features Project 2009-2011. Northern Ireland Environment Agency Report, Belfast.
37. Gray JS. 1977. The stability of benthic ecosystems. Helgolander Wiss Meeresunters 30: 427-444.
38. Hill J, Wilkinson C. 2004. Methods for Ecological Monitoring of Coral Reefs. Australian Institute of Marine Science: Townsville.
39. Hiscock, K. 1996. Marine Nature Conservation Review: Rationale and Methods. Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough.
40. Houk P, Van Woesik R. 2006. Coral Reef benthic video surveys facilitate long-term monitoring in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: toward an optimal sampling strategy. Pacific Science 60: 177-189.
41. Jokiel PL, Rodgers KS, Brown, EK, Kenyon JC, Aeby G, Smith WR, Farell F. 2005. Comparison of Methods Used to Estimate Coral Cover in the Hawaiian Islands. NOAA/NOS NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Report, Hawai'i.
42. Jones LA, Hiscock K, Connor DW. 2000. Marine Habitat Reviews. A Summary of Ecological Requirements and Sensitivity Characteristics for the Conservation and Management of Marine SACs. Joint Nature Conservation Committee: Peterborough.
43. Kenyon JC, Vroom PS, Page KN, Dunlap MJ, Wilkinson CB, Aeby GS. 2006. Community structure of hermatypic corals at French Frigate Shoals, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: capacity for resistance and resilience to selective stressors. Pacific Science 60: 151-173.
44. Kingsford M, Battershill C (eds). 1998. Studying Temperate Marine Environments. A Handbook for Ecologists. Canterbury University Press: Christchurch.
45. Lam K, Shin PKS, Bradbeer R, Randall D, Ku KKK, Hodgson P, Cheung SG. 2006. Comparison of video and point intercept transect methods of monitoring subtropical coral communities. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 333: 115-128.
46. Leonard GH, Clarke RP. 1993. Point quadrat versus video transect estimates of the cover of benthic red algae. Marine Ecology Progress Series 101: 203-208.
47. Leujak W, Ormond RFG. 2007. Comparative accuracy and efficiency of six coral community survey methods. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 351: 168-187.
48. Littler MM, Littler DS. 1984. Relationships between macroalgal functional form groups and substrata stability in a subtropical rocky-intertidal system. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 74: 13-34.
49. Lock K, Burton M, Gibbs R, Newman P. 2009. Skomer Marine Nature Reserve status report 2008/09. CCW Regional Report, CCW/WW/09/2.
50. Lundalv T. 1985. Detection of long-term trends in rocky sublittoral communities: representativeness of fixed sites. In The Ecology of Rocky Coasts, Moore PG, Seed R (eds). Hodder and Stoughton: London; 329-345.
51. Lundalv T, Christie H. 1986. Comparative trends and ecological patterns of rocky subtidal communities in the Swedish and Norwegian Skagerrak area. Hydrobiologia 142: 71-80.
52. Lundalv T, Larsson CS, Axelsson L. 1986. Long-term trends in algal-dominated rocky subtidal communities on the Swedish west coast - a transitional system? Hydrobiologica 142: 81-95.
53. Meese RJ, Tomich PA. 1992. Dots on the rocks: a comparison of percent cover estimation methods. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 165: 59-73.
54. Moore CG, Saunders G, Mair JM, Lyndon AR. 2006. The Inauguration of Site Condition Monitoring of Marine Features of Loch Maddy Special Area of Conservation. Scottish Natural Heritage Report 152 (ROAME No. F02AA409), Edinburgh.
55. Moore J, Gilliland P. 2000. Development of a Monitoring Programme and Methods in Plymouth Sound cSAC: Application of Diver Techniques 1999. English Nature: Peterborough.
56. Moore J, James B, Gilliland P. 1999. Development of a Monitoring Programme and Methods in Plymouth Sound cSAC: Application of Diver and ROV Techniques. English Nature: Peterborough.
57. Munro C. 2005. Diving systems. In Methods for the Study of the Marine Benthos, 3rd edn. Eleftheriou AT, McIntyre A (eds). Blackwell: Oxford; 112-159.
58. Myers MR, Ambrose RF. 2009. Differences in benthic cover inside and outside marine protected areas on the Great Barrier Reef: influence of protection or disturbance history? Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19: 736-747.
59. Ninio R, Delean S, Osborne K, Sweatman H. 2003. Estimating cover of benthic organisms from underwater video images: variability associated with multiple observers. Marine Ecology Progress Series 265: 107-116.
60. Page HM, Dugan JE, Culver CS, Hoesterey JC. 2006. Exotic invertebrate species on offshore oil platforms. Marine Ecology Progress Series 325: 101-107.
61. Pagola-Carte S, Urkiaga-Alberdi J, Bustamante M, Saiz-Salinas JI. 2002. Concordance degrees in macrozoobenthic monitoring programmes using different sampling methods and taxonomic resolution levels. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44: 63-70.
62. Pech D, Condal AR, Bourgel E, Ardisson PL. 2004. Abundance estimation of rocky shore invertebrates at small spatial scale by high-resolution digital photography and digital image analysis. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 299: 185-199.
63. Preskitt LB, Vroom PS, Smith CM. 2004. A rapid ecological assessment (REA) quantitative survey method for benthic algae using photoquadrats with SCUBA. Pacific Science 58: 201-209.
64. Rosenberg R, Blomqvist M, Nilsson HC, Cederwall H, Dimming A. 2004. Marine quality assessment by use of benthic species-abundance distribution: a proposed new protocol within the European Water Framework Directive. Marine Pollution Bulletin 49: 728-739.
65. Sanderson WG, Holt RHF, Kay L, Ramsay K, Perrins J, Mcmath AJ, Rees EIS. 2008. Small-scale variation within a Modiolus modiolus (Mollusca:Bivalvia) reef in the Irish Sea. II. Epifauna recorded by divers and cameras. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 88: 143-149.
66. Sayer MDJ, Poonian C. 2007. The influences of census technique on estimating indices of macrofaunal population density in the temperate rocky subtidal zone. Underwater Technology 27: 119-139.
67. Shears NT. 2007. Shallow Subtidal Reef Communities at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve after Eight years of No-take Protection. Department of Conservation, Northland Conservancy Report, Wellington.
68. Smale DA, Kendrick GA, Waddington KI, Van Niel KP, Meeuwig JJ, Harvey ES. 2010. Benthic assemblage composition on subtidal reefs along a latitudinal gradient in Western Australia. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 86: 83-92.
69. Sullivan KM, Chiappone M. 1993. Hierarchical methods and sampling design for conservation monitoring of tropical marine hard bottom communities. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 3: 169-187.
70. Tunberg BG, Nelson WG. 1998. Do climatic oscillations influence cyclical patterns of soft bottom macrobenthic communities on the Swedish west coast? Marine Ecology Progress Series 170: 85-94.
71. Underwood MG, Chapman AJ. 2005. Design and analysis in benthic surveys. In Methods for the Study of the Marine Benthos, 3rd edn. Eleftheriou AT, McIntyre A (eds). Blackwell: Oxford; 1-42.
72. Van Rein H, Brown CJ, Quinn R, Breen J. 2009. A review of sublittoral monitoring methods in temperate waters: a focus on scale. Underwater Technology 28: 1-15.
73. Van Rein H, Schoeman D, Brown CB, Quinn R, Breen J. 2011. Development of low-cost image mosaics using SCUBA: a comparison of optical techniques and measures of community structure. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. DOI: 10.1017/S0025315411000233.
74. Vroom PS, Page KN, Peyton KA, Kukea-Shultz JK. 2005. Spatial heterogeneity of benthic community assemblages with an emphasis on reef algae at French Frigate Shoals, northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Coral Reefs 24: 574-581.
75. Vroom PS, Musburger CA, Cooper SW, Maragos JE, Page-Albins N, Timmers MAV. 2010. Marine biological community baselines in unimpacted tropical ecosystems: spatial and temporal analysis of reefs at Howland and Baker Islands. Biodiversity and Conservation 19: 797-812.
76. Walker SJ, Schlacher TA, Schlacher-Hoenlinger MA. 2007. Spatial heterogeneity of epibenthos on artificial reefs: fouling communities in the early stages of colonization on an East Australian shipwreck. Marine Ecology 28: 1-11.
77. Wentworth CK. 1922. A scale of grade and class terms for clastic sediments. Journal of Geology 30: 377-392.
78. Whittington MW, Holt R, Irving R, Northen K, Stanwell-Smith D. 2006. Across-Wales Diving Monitoring Project Volume 2: Standard Operating Procedures. Countryside Council for Wales Report 25b, Bangor.