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species abundance over time . If ANOVA assumptions cannot be met, an analogous non-parametric method will be used (Weiner 1971 ) . Variability of the fish assemblages over time will be evaluated by comparing the mean coefficient of variation for all species at control and treatment reefs (Seber 1973 ) . The `T' method for multiple comparisons among pairs of means (Zar 1984 ) will test for significant differences in fish community variability. Community parameters that do not depend on sample size such as the Bray-Curtis index of similarity (Clifford and Stephenson 1975) will test the hypothesis that the fish populations of the two treatment reefs are no more similar to each other than they are to the control reefs . The Shannon-Weiner species diversity index will be used to compare species richness and evenness . The reef monitoring to be funded consists of the following elements : 1 . Approximate Project Timeline a. March-May 2003 : Monitoring and Data Collection (Quantitative Assessment) b . May 2003 : Data Entry, Summary and Analysis C . June 2003 : Reporting 2 . Survey Methodology a. Survey methodology will collect reliable data on patterns of community structure, relative abundance , and size of resident fishes . b . Data will be collected from 4 sites during a 3 month sampling window. The total number of monitoring events will include a minimum of 8 fish census events (2 replicates at each site) . i . Fish surveys will be conducted at each site by implementing an in situ visual survey method along the fixed transect, supplemented by a videographic visual survey method along the fixed transect. Surveys will be conducted at two separate intervals during this study. C. If visibility is judged to be less than 15 feet horizontally on the bottom, no fish census will be performed and the dives to conduct said surveys will be repeated at a later date . 3 . Data Anal a. Analysis shall include a comparison of similarity and differences in patterns of community structure, relative abundance, and size of resident fishes for the following : i . Unfished reefs (reefs 2NW and 4NW) ; and ii . Fished Reefs (reefs 3NW and 4SE) . 4 . Deliverables a. Written or electronically submitted status reports will be submitted every 30 days : March 30 , 2003 , April 30 , 2003 , and May 30 , 2003 . b . A draft report will be submitted to the Commission by June 1 , 2003 to provide 21 days for technical peer review by the Commission. Page 2 of 4 , Attachment A