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Species Monitored:
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MARINe Target, Core, and Optional Species
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Target species have the highest priority for monitoring. They are monitored at as many sites as possible. If the species is present in sufficient numbers and it is logistically possible, plots or transects are established to monitor it every fall and spring. Generally, 3 to 8 target assemblages are monitored at a given site. There are 13 official Target species: |
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Anemones--Anthopleura elegantissima/solia Barnacles--Pollicipes polymerus Tetraclita rubescens Chthamalus dalli/fissus/Balanus glandula Black abalone--Haliotis cracherodii Owl limpets--Lottia gigantea California mussels--Mytilus californianus Seastars--Pisaster ochraceus Boa Kelp--Egregia menziesii Rockweed--Hesperophycus californicus Silvetia compressa Turfweed--Endocladia muricata Surfgrass--Phyllospadix scouleri/torreyi |
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Four species or species groups (Gelidium coulteri, Mazzaella spp. (=Iridaea spp.), Mastocarpus papillatus, and red turf), though chosen for fixed plot monitoring at a few sites, are not official target species for MARINe. |
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By definition, Target species are a subset of Core species. Core species (or species groups as appropiate) are found in plots and transects in association with Target species. They are chosen because they are important in understanding abundance trends, and are recognizable from a slide with the use of field notes or identifiable on field transects. Some of these species only occur at northern or only at southern sites; they are included so we can follow their range movement.
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Identifying optional species allows comparison and protocol standardization of even rare or uncommon species being monitored at MARINe sites. Optional include species which are found at one or two sites in high enough concentrations to monitor but not found at MARINe sites in general. They can include species that a particular monitoring group is studying in detail and those which are highly localized in distribution, but in either case, optional species are those that are monitored consistently over time. |
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Updated: 12/9/2004 |
