Pressure classification methodology?

[sarah hamylton]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if someone could advise me on some work I am doing for my
dissertation. I am seeking a classification scheme for categorising reefs on
the basis of the pressure they are under. Thus far, I have only been able to
find a report that uses distance from the nearest populated area- this is
included in my data set but doesn't give any indication of the type of
pressure. I am not really interested in quantifying the impact intensity,
just classifying reefs based on the presence of each pressure. The data set
I have is similar to a Reefcheck one- it assesses a number of pressures on a
semi-quantitative scale- rating presence from none to heavy. I’m tempted to
make up my own classification scheme, assigning weights to the different
influences and then attempting to justify the weightings I have used.
Justification would be based on impact magnitude in terms of frequency/
damage potential. Maybe also incorporating papers written on influences that
are known to be particularly problematic in the study area. I can’t help
thinking that this will become a little subjective though, I am tempted to
weight the presence of sewage pollution heavier than tourist diving as the
latter is present at all my study sites whereas the former only has a
presence at three out of twenty two study sites. Does anyone know of any set
methodologies for categorising individual reefs on the basis anthropogenic
pressures present?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Sarah Hamylton.

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