[Coral-List] Securing markers on permanent transects
Reshad
reshad1977 at gmail.com
Sun Feb 22 23:56:07 EST 2009
Dear list,
I have the responsibility of ensuring consistency of data collection
in a Rodriguan
coral reef monitoring programme, that has been under way since 2002.
Essentially we survey reef flat and reef slope benthos, fish and
invertebrates, by repeated measure of three permanent transects, at a number
of sites around the island. We are having problems keeping our permanent
transect markers on several of the reef flat sites, due to the effect of
hydrodynamic forces on both markers and substrate. In the past several
markers have been replaced each year, making our repeated measure of benthos
somewhat questionable. This year it has been suggested we abandon these
sites completely because of the problem. I don't particularly agree with
giving up that easily, and would like to know if anyone has found a more
effective method, than we have, to mark reef transects. We currently have
metre long, 2 cm diameter steel T-bars, driven almost all the way into the
reef structure, but we have also tried drilling into the substrate and
fixing the steaks using concrete. We mark our transects at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20
and 50 m. Most eventually loosen then disappear, some after only six
months. Any information on progress in the field would be most welcome.
Cheers,
Reshad
Reshad Jhangeer-Khan
Science Co-ordinator
Shoals Rodrigues
Pointe Monier
Rodrigues
Mauritius
Mobile: +230 733 1769
Office: +230 831 1225
Fax: +230 831 0287
Email: research at shoals.intnet.mu
Web: http://www.shoalsrodrigues.net
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