Mar 20, 2024
Version 2
Macroalgae Analysis V.2
- Nohea Rodriguez1,
- Kai Bloom1,
- Mistie Tran1
- 1UCB
- Nohea Rodriguez: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3853-2385
- Kai Bloom: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5743-4717
- Mistie Tran: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9531-9352
Protocol Citation: Nohea Rodriguez, Kai Bloom, Mistie Tran 2024. Macroalgae Analysis. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.4r3l22xypl1y/v2Version created by Mistie T
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 20, 2024
Last Modified: March 20, 2024
Protocol Integer ID: 97014
Keywords: Macroalgae, Turbinaria, Sargassum, Mo'orea
Abstract
Determine the abundance and biomass of the invasive macroalgae species, Turbinaria and Sargassum. Then, identify marine species located on random samples of each species. Turbinaria decreases fish abundance and biodiversity, competing with native algae and coral for space and resources. Determine the effect on biodiversity if Turbinaria were to be removed from an ecosystem entirely. Under the guidance of Mayalen, the ISP class will conduct transect data collection in Baie Vaiori, located in Mo'orea. The objective is to gather data on the spatial occupancy of algae. Additionally, algae will be gathered to bring back to the lab where they will be examined for any residing organisms.
Materials
Field Materials
- Transect tape
- Underwater slate clipboard
- Underwater pencil
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Booties/water shoes
- Large Ziploc bags
- Underwater camera
Analysis Materials
- Large plastic tub
- Colander
- White background
- Camera
- Ruler
- Flashlight (optional)
Safety warnings
Don't fall fr - stand your ground against strong currents!
Don't get munched/poked - beware of stonefish and eels!
May get scratched up from corals
Before start
Make sure participants are well equipped with proper snorkel gear. Before getting in water, have data table written out on slate clipboard for convience.
Algae Transect Survey
Algae Transect Survey
Split into five groups of four people.
Gather materials - Transect tape, slate clipboard, snorkel gear
Swim to the group's transect location, approximately 5 meters apart.
Groups should have received the location of their transect areas on shore
Begin 30 meter transect along reef crest, parallel to the shore.
Tie down transect tape to coral or rock and map out the transect trajectory and distance. Tie to the 1 meter mark so that your first observation is at 1 meters.
Swim along transect tape and record the presence of rock, coral, Turbinaria, or Sargassum for every 10 centimeters of the transect. Take photos along the transect for later reference. (300 observations per 30m)
Turbinaria ornata
Sargassum
Record the species of coral if possible
Move 5 meters towards the shore, and repeat Step 4 and 5.
Repeat Step 6 (until you have three 30 m transects).
Sample Inspection
Sample Inspection
Gather samples of Turbinaria and Sargassum into ziploc bags filled with seawater. Bring sample bags into dirt lab
Dump out contents into a plastic tub, and strain water from algae into a colander.
Carefully inspect macroalgae bunches, searching for organisms.
Photograph any organisms next to a ruler, against your white background
Record the weight of each algae bunch, number, size, and type of critters present, stem length of each bunch
Record field and lab data in separate spreadsheets
Protocol references
- Mayalen Zubia (0000-0002-5043-3491)