A strategy for baseline monitoring of estuary Special Protection Areas

Authors: Le, S.E.A., McGrorty, S., West, A.D., Clarke, R.T., Goss-Custard, J.D. and Stillman, R.A.

Journal: Biological Conservation

Volume: 121

Issue: 2

Pages: 289-301

ISSN: 0006-3207

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.05.005

Abstract:

Intertidal estuaries in north-west Europe provide essential feeding grounds for internationally important numbers of overwintering shorebirds. Monitoring of the food supply available in these intertidal habitats is central to shorebird conservation strategy. In this paper, we describe the methods used to do a baseline survey of the Exe estuary Special Protection Area, south-west England. A grid system of sampling, linked to the Ordnance Survey National Grid, was used to ensure a systematic and repeatable coverage of the whole estuary. Cluster analysis was used to classify sites according to their invertebrate biomass densities. Classification of sites into groups was verified using environmental correlates. Results from these analyses were used to map habitat patches for the whole estuary. We show how, once a baseline survey such as this has been undertaken, monitoring of shorebird food supplies over time should be achievable with reduced sampling effort. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: Scopus

A strategy for baseline monitoring of estuary Special Protection Areas

Authors: Durell, S.E.A.L.D., McGrorty, S., West, A.D., Clarke, R.T., Goss-Custard, J.D. and Stillman, R.A.

Journal: BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION

Volume: 121

Issue: 2

Pages: 289-301

eISSN: 1873-2917

ISSN: 0006-3207

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.05.005

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

A Strategy for Baseline Monitoring of Estuary Special Protection Areas

Authors: Durell, S.E.A.L.V.D., McGrorty, S., West, A.D., Clarke, R.T., Goss-Custard, J.D. and Stillman, R.A.

Journal: Biological Conservation

Volume: 121

Pages: 289-301

ISSN: 0006-3207

DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2004.05.005

Abstract:

Intertidal estuaries in north–west Europe provide essential feeding grounds for internationally important numbers of overwintering shorebirds. Monitoring of the food supply available in these intertidal habitats is central to shorebird conservation strategy. In this paper, we describe the methods used to do a baseline survey of the Exe estuary Special Protection Area, south–west England. A grid system of sampling, linked to the Ordnance Survey National Grid, was used to ensure a systematic and repeatable coverage of the whole estuary. Cluster analysis was used to classify sites according to their invertebrate biomass densities. Classification of sites into groups was verified using environmental correlates. Results from these analyses were used to map habitat patches for the whole estuary. We show how, once a baseline survey such as this has been undertaken, monitoring of shorebird food supplies over time should be achievable with reduced sampling effort.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V5X-4CPM1TD-2&_user=1682380&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000011378&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1682380&md5=7b209b4e0ed5a1e38d6ba4c945b2e7d5

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Richard Stillman