Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A comparison of methods for improving ecological monitoring of coral reefs

Hils, Abigail L

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, Environmental Sciences.
The comparison of four widely used monitoring protocols with a recently introduced benthic method provides an interdisciplinary, scientific view to assess coral reef health. The benthic method, topic of Erin Sams’ 2011 thesis, developed a non-invasive video transect approach to evaluating the health of a reef based on percent live coral cover. Data collected from the video transects were analyzed following the four protocols and Sams’ benthic method to create an ecological story for the reef from each method. The comparison indicates that there is minimal similarity between procedures and no clear common indicator to identify the health of a reef. Moreover the enormous amount of data required to define the quality of the reef suggests there is a need for a more efficient and practical approach.
Hays Cummins, PhD (Committee Chair)
Donna McCollum, PhD (Committee Member)
Mark Boardman, PhD (Committee Member)
32 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Hils, A. L. (2013). A comparison of methods for improving ecological monitoring of coral reefs [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366309896

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Hils, Abigail. A comparison of methods for improving ecological monitoring of coral reefs. 2013. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366309896.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Hils, Abigail. "A comparison of methods for improving ecological monitoring of coral reefs." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1366309896

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)