WAMSI Node 3.2.2b - Diversity, abundance and distribution of intertidal invertebrate species in the Ningaloo Marine Park.

Researchers: Black, Bob, Dr (Point of contact) ,  Brearley, Anne, Dr. (Author) ,  Johnson, S. Michael, Professor (Author) ,  Luke Edwards (Distributes) ,  Prince, Jane, Dr. (Author)

Brief description A quantitative pilot study of the composition of the benthic community of macro-invertebrates on intertidal rocky platforms was undertaken to: a) provide detailed information on variation in biodiversity along the length of the Ningaloo Marine Park; and b) determine the appropriate design of a monitoring protocol powerful enough to determine predefined levels of change. These general overall aims were in the context of the Ningaloo Marine Park Draft Management Plan of 2004, which set out a vision of maintaining the ecological values in the Park, and protecting it from adverse human impacts. Sampling was conducted at 35 sites from July 2007 and September 2010 between the northernmost site of Mildura Wreck and southernmost site of 3 Mile Out 2. Data for the project includes: 1. All species data for each 1m2 quadrat (1744 quadrats x 291 species): [WAMSI3.2.2bQuadratDataMay2012] 2. Lengths of small giant clams (Tridacna maxima) mapped at 20 sites (3119 rows x 11 columns including identifying information for each length): [WAMSI3.2.2bGiantClams.csv] 3. Physical features of the platforms in three files (32 rows x 13, 11, 10 columns): [WAMSI3.2.2bPlatformAttributes.csv] [WAMSI3.2.2bPlatformQuantative.csv] [WAMSI3.2.2bFetchAndContour.csv] 4. GPS readings as UTM values for locations of transects used to map positions of Tridacna maxima (giant clams) (404 rows x 6 columns, including sample identification information): [WAMSI3.2.2bTridacnaUTM.csv] 5. Location of research sites - Google Earth .kmz files: Centers of 36 sites where quadrat samples were taken 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and reported on in all the Research Chapters, and where physical data for Research Chapter 8 were collected. [WAMSI3.2.2b Sites.kmz] Corners of 8 sites at northern boundary of Jurabi Sanctuary Zone where data for Research Chapter 9 [WAMSI3.2.2bJurabi8Sites.kmz] Shoreward, southern corners of Transect 1 and some others for areas where Tridacna maxima were measured as reported in Research Chapter 4. [WAMSI3.2.2bGiantClams.kmz] 6. Text and images about the 32 sites sampled in 2007 and 2009 [WAMSI3.2.2bSitePages.rtf] Data files come with metadata / descriptions of the column titles and codes.

Lineage Maintenance and Update Frequency: unknown

Lineage Statement: Main sampling was done in August 2007 and July and September 2009, with additional sampling in November 2008, February 2009, February and September 2010. We used intensive searches during daytime low tides of replicated (usually 20) 1m2 quadrats to estimate the abundance of assemblages of macroinvertebrates in sites about 15 x 50 m on 36 selected rocky intertidal platforms. We used differential GPS to survey some features of the sites.

Lineage Statement: The location of sampling sites are attached (this includes timing of sampling for each site and indicates whether it was in sanctuary zone).

Notes Credit
Jake Loughridge

Notes Credit
Adelaide Bevilaqua

Notes Credit
Todd Bond

Notes Credit
Samantha Cadee

Notes Credit
Victoria Inman

Notes Credit
Claudia McHarrie

Notes Credit
James Taylor

Data time period: 07 2007 to 30 09 2010

114.165,-21.785 114.165,-23.879 113.49,-23.879 113.49,-21.785 114.165,-21.785

113.8275,-22.832

text: westlimit=113.49; southlimit=-23.879; eastlimit=114.165; northlimit=-21.785