Protocol Citation: Stephanie Gay, Kylie Ren, Charlotte Wiggins 2024. ISP Fish Biodiversity Survey. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.36wgq32eylk5/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: March 11, 2024
Last Modified: March 12, 2024
Protocol Integer ID: 96518
Abstract
This survey addresses the marine biodiversity present off the coast of the Onetahi motu in Tetiaroa, French Polynesia. Researchers conducted transects observing present fish species and their interactions in order to analyze the structure of the ecosystem's food web and overarching species richness. Biodiversity analysis is an integral contribution to the knowledge and subsequent preservation of marine environments, and research in small-scale ecosystems like Tetiaroa is representative of the larger environmental conservation movement.
Guidelines
- Be safe! Wear sunscreen, watch out for sharp objects when swimming, and have fun :D
Materials
- Snorkel, Mask and Fins (Optional)
- 30m Transect Tape
- Olympus Tough Underwater Camera (TG-6)
- Laptop with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel Software
Safety warnings
Be mindful of the marine environment. Don't damage coral, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and treat your surroundings with respect.
Ethics statement
No fish were harmed in the making of this survey. 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞
Survey Site Selection
Survey Site Selection
From north shore of the Onetahi Motu, aligned with ferry departure port, swim outwards towards the reef crest until reef substrate becomes primarily coral (as opposed to sand)
Belt Transect Survey
Belt Transect Survey
Split into teams of 2 (with additional team member(s) to assist with securing the transect tape)
Mark out a 30m transect section using transect tape
- Secure one end of the tape using a rock/coral or team member to secure the tape
- Assign one team member to swim out with the other end of the tape to mark the full 30m length - head in a fixed direction either with use of compass or by heading toward a fixed landmark visible at horizon level
For member of team performing the swimming survey task
- Swim forward at a slow constant speed along the tape
- Estimate a transect width of 2m on either side of the tape
- Within the transect, use camera to document what is required (refer to step 5 and 6)
- Avoid splashing and move slowly to avoid scaring fish away
- Pause and wait if necessary along transect to allow fish to acclimatize to your presence
Species Identification
Species Identification
Photograph individuals of each unique species of fish sighted
Export photos from camera to laptop
Identify fish species
Compare each photo of fish obtained with the fish in guide book or https://www.tetiaroasociety.org/island/fish
Record the Genus and Species name for each species of fish identified into a spreadsheet
Species Interaction
Species Interaction
Photograph distinct interactions between individuals of different species
Export photos from camera to laptop
Identify the species involved, and record description of these interactions in a spreadsheet marking them as trophic or non-trophic
Analyze relationships between species, record connections and hypothesized behavior behind interactions
Species Function
Species Function
Photograph individuals performing functions for each unique species of fish sighted
Identify the species involved, and record description of the function performed