SOP for sampling of intertidal invertebrates and algae on sheltered rocky shores - Version 4.6: Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network
Dean TA and Bodkin JL. 2011. SOP for sampling of intertidal invertebrates and algae on sheltered rocky shores - Version 4.6: Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network. Natural Resource Report. NPS/SWAN/NRR—2011/397. National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science. Fort Collins, Colorado
The purpose of this task is to assess change in intertidal invertebrate and algal communities in sheltered rocky habitats. Specifically, the objectives are to assess changes in: 1) the relative abundance of algae and invertebrates in the intertidal zone, 2) the diversity of algae and invertebrates, 3) the size distribution of limpets (Lottia persona, 4) the concentration of contaminants in mussel tissue, 5) changes in temperature (either sea or air depending on tidal stage), and 6) changes in salinity. We will sample sizes of limpets because these are potentially sensitive indicators of change and because limpets are important prey species for other nearshore species of interest, especially for black oystercatchers and sea ducks. Sampling of contaminants focuses on mussel tissue because mussels are important prey, they integrate contaminants that tend to be more variable in both water and sediments than in tissue, and because mussel tissue is widely used to characterize contaminants in marine environments. Additional sampling of density and size of mussels is described elsewhere. Sampling will be conducted in sheltered rocky habitats within the Katmai and Kenai Fjords National Parks.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Dean, Thomas; Bodkin, James
- Date of Issue
- 2011-05
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science
- Units
- NRSS , SWAN
- Keywords
- Contaminants, intertidal algae, Intertidal Invertebrates, Limpets, Mussels, Nearshore, Salinity, sheltered rocky habitats
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Intertidal Communities