2003-062 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

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 Analysis 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