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CRAMP Rapid Assessment. Biological Parameters
The biological parameters selected for measurement include coral, fish and algal populations that respond in a quantifiable way to environmental stress. Detection of conditions over a wide range can be derived from targeting these assemblages that can reveal a broad range of perturbation.
One consideration in evaluating which specific factors of these populations to measure is the time and cost constraints that must be weighed against greater spatial coverage. Often, the quantification of a few parameters can yield many meaningful attributes. For example, fish surveys were designed to record species, count, and length. From this rapid quantification, various useful parameters can be derived: numerical abundance, biomass, endemism, trophic levels, feeding guilds, species composition, size distribution, diversity and evenness.
All methods used are environmentally benign, not significantly altering the habitat or biota surveyed. SCUBA is used to conduct all surveys.
Last Update: 04/21/2008
By: Lea Hollingsworth
Hawai‘i Coral Reef Assessment & Monitoring Program
Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology
P.O. Box 1346
Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744
808-236-7440 phone
808-236-7443 fax
email: jokiel@hawaii.edu