Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/25412
Title: Sampling variation in sandy beach littoral and nearshore meiofauna and macrofauna
Authors: Cox, James L.
Keywords: Beaches--California--Monterey Bay
Interstitial animals
Marine animals
Publisher: Coastal Engineering Research Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical paper;no. 76-14
Abstract: Abstract: This study evaluates sampling procedures and statistical methods for analysis of the fauna associated with high-energy sandy beaches. An intensive, one-season sampling of selected physical attributes and fauna of a relatively undisturbed beach site in central Monterey Bay, California was used as a basis for this evaluation. Organisms were sorted and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and numerical abundances were computed. Existing techniques for the quantitative sampling of macrofauna in the littoral zone are adequate for quantitative base-line studies, but many samples must be taken to ensure reasonable confidence limits on density estimates. It may not be practical to attempt density estimates of certain macrofauna! species, such as the mole crab (Emerita anaZoga), which show extreme spatial heterogeneity. A procedure was devised for sampling surf-zone macrofauna using a suction dredge. Surf-zone fauna differs greatly from littoral macrofauna and appears to be a separate ecological unit. Area sampling the surf zone is difficult due to surge, so a "time-of-pumping" standardization is recommended. Meiofauna shows distinct intertidal zonation patterns both in density and taxonomical composition. Considerable variation from one beach site to another can occur and this may be related to small changes in physical factors, especially the interstitial space. Procedures for subsampling and counting meiofauna are described along with recommendations from statistical treatment of data.
Description: Technical Paper
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/25412
Appears in Collections:Technical Paper

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