Sampling protocol for assessment of marine diversity on rocky shores. (Modified from the SARCE South American Research Group on Coastal Ecosystems for sampling on rocky shores protocol).

Abstract

Rocky shores are among the most studied marine habitats, and their communities are often used as models to describe biodiversity dynamics worldwide. There is a need to understand and monitor environmental changes at global scales and the impact of climate change and other global stressors to marine biodiversity, this protocol provides a standardized methodology and sampling design for marine diversity at rocky shores in the intertidal zone. This protocol was produced by a group of experts (SARCE, 2012) and is updated by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole to Pole of the Americas (MBON Pole to Pole) in 2019 in order to create a standard method for intertidal biodiversity assessment valid across the American continent. Ecological variables measured by this protocol: Abundance; Cover; Presence/Absence - MATERIALS; One 30m metric transect tape.; One Hand-held GPS unit; Two 0.5m x 0.5m (0.25m2) PVC quadrat, one gridded –see construction instructions below and one not gridded.; One Waterproof camera.; One Clinometer or Telephone with clinometer app.; 10m stainless steelchain (1cm link) or any other length can be used,as long as 10 m are measured.; Field spreadsheet.; Paper/pencil.; ManualCell Counter (Optional –for easy count of small abundant organisms).