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<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Hullo</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>In our province (KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast
of South Africa) we have both coral and rock reefs. We are initiating a
long-term monitoring program, but while there are established methods for coral
reefs, I am struggling to find accepted techniques for monitoring rock
reefs.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Ideally, if we could use the same method (Line
Intercept Transects) for both types of reefs it would greatly simplify data
collection and training of the data collectors. However, I am concerned that
certain assumptions of the method (that the size of teh object is small relative
to the length of the line) will be violated by the type of cover on rock reefs.
One would expect to encounter fairly large patches of monospecific algae for
example.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Does anyone out there know of any published or
established methods for monitoring temperate rock reefs ? Has anyone tried this
in California for example ?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Regards</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Bridget Elliott</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>KZN Nature Conservation Service</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Durban, South Africa</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>