The scientific purpose of this field activity was to evaluate three different methods of quantifying submerged vegetation (particularly seagrass) in the turbid, shallow coastal areas of Everglades NP. We sought to compare the logistical feasibility and the data quality resulting from boat-mounted photographic imagery (the Along Track Reef Imaging System (ATRIS)), acoustics-based surveying (Biosonics), and in situ field surveying.
Location
Everglades National Park, FL
Summary
ATRIS data were collected in Whitewater Bay, Biosonics data were collected in Ponce de Leon Bay, and percent cover data were collected at 25 sites from Hog key south to Cape Sable.
Info derived
Photographic imagery of submerged vegetation from the ATRIS, sonic return signal data from acoustics-based surveying, and percent cover of benthos by seagrass and algae using the Braun-Blanquet quadrat method.
Comments
Additional Equipment: Biosonics sonar system (belonging to Nova Southeastern University), and basic field equipment. Additional Platform: Small vessels.