A quantitative technique for sampling motile macroinvertebrates in beds of the seagrass <i>Posidonia oceanica</i> (L.) Delile

Joseph A. Borg; Martin J. Attrill; Ashley A. Rowden; Patrick J. Schembri; Malcolm B. Jones

doi:10.3989/scimar.2002.66n153

A quantitative technique for sampling motile macroinvertebrates in beds of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile

Authors

Joseph A. Borg Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth - Department of Biology, University of Malta
Martin J. Attrill Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth
Ashley A. Rowden Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth - National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Patrick J. Schembri Department of Biology, University of Malta
Malcolm B. Jones Department of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2002.66n153

Keywords:

sampling, seagrass, macroinvertebrates, Posidonia oceanica, corer, Mediterranean Sea, Malta

Abstract

Techniques for sampling motile macroinvertebrates associated with Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows have mainly involved the use of hand-nets and suction samplers or collection by hand. These techniques give unreliable quantitative estimates or have practical difficulties. A large cylindrical saw-rimmed corer was designed and used successfully to obtain quantitative samples of macroinvertebrates from both foliage and root-rhizome matrix of a Posidonia oceanica meadow in Malta (central Mediterranean). Choice of the appropriate sample unit size was assessed by comparing the relative accuracy, precision and efficiency of three different core diameters: 25 cm, 35 cm and 45 cm. The results suggest that for comparison of macrofaunal species richness and abundance between different meadows/sites the 25 cm diameter corer is recommended. For surveys aimed at estimating total diversity within a particular site, the 35 cm diameter corer is more appropriate.

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Published

2002-03-30

How to Cite

Borg JA, Attrill MJ, Rowden AA, Schembri PJ, Jones MB. A quantitative technique for sampling motile macroinvertebrates in beds of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2002Mar.30 [cited 2025Feb.22];66(1):53-8. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/563

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Issue

Vol. 66 No. 1 (2002)

Section

Articles

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