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

• Autores: J. A. Borg, M. J. Attrill, A. A. Rowden, P. J. Schembri, M. B. Jones
• Localización: Scientia Marina, ISSN 0214-8358, Vol. 66, Nº. 1, 2002, págs. 53-58
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • 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.