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The Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) fish protocols
Title
The Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) fish protocols.
Name/Creator
Self, Madison
Abstract/Description
The Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) is an international program aimed at improving conditions of reefs in the West Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, by providing a standardized assessment of key structural and functional indicators that can be used to reveal the regional condition of the reef. Reef fish carry out important roles such as predation and grazing, therefore by studying the abundance, size, and distribution of key species, we can gain insight on the changing dynamics of the...
Show moreThe Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) is an international program aimed at improving conditions of reefs in the West Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, by providing a standardized assessment of key structural and functional indicators that can be used to reveal the regional condition of the reef. Reef fish carry out important roles such as predation and grazing, therefore by studying the abundance, size, and distribution of key species, we can gain insight on the changing dynamics of the reef and understand the roles humans play in effecting these fish populations. AGRRA fish surveys can be at a basic or detailed level, depending on the research needs. These protocols are carried out by a minimum of two trained SCUBA divers who will quantify the abundance and community composition of key species along a 30-meter-long by two-meter-wide belt transect. Once the survey is completed, team leaders will gather datasheets and submit them to the AGRRA database. The results of this data can then be used to serve as baselines for future studies of these reefs and to make educated and informed decisions on management practices for these regions.
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Date Issued
2021-04-21
Identifier
BC3354
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC3354
AGRRA protocols and coral reef health in the Caribbean
Title
AGRRA protocols and coral reef health in the Caribbean.
Name/Creator
Quintana, Arely
Abstract/Description
The objective of The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) coral monitoring is to assess the size and overall condition of corals ≥ 4 cm to help evaluate important structural and functional attributes of tropical western Atlantic coral reefs. Data collected can provide information representative of large areas, like shelves, islands, countries or ecoregions. The coral monitoring surveys can be performed by snorkeling (
Show moreThe objective of The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) coral monitoring is to assess the size and overall condition of corals ≥ 4 cm to help evaluate important structural and functional attributes of tropical western Atlantic coral reefs. Data collected can provide information representative of large areas, like shelves, islands, countries or ecoregions. The coral monitoring surveys can be performed by snorkeling (< 1.5 m), but SCUBA is now recommended for most assessments with diver expertise ranging from novice to highly trained. Survey sites should be chosen randomly within a geomorphic zone of a reef on an insular or continental shelf within one of twelve marine shelf ecoregions of the Tropical Northwestern province of the Tropical Atlantic biogeographic realm. The spatial extent of a site is about 200 m x 200 m and zones of maximum reef development are highly recommended. Recording of exact location using GPS is critical for data quality and consistency. Surveys are completed to assess coral health, recruitments, size, and species. Although single metrics are insufficient to measure whole coral system health due to the highly dynamic nature of reefs, the information collected can indirectly measure environmental quality of the reef and assist in understanding the effects of local and regional stressors. The use of trained volunteer divers whether amateur or professional provides a wealth of information in a cost friendly manner and the data collected from over 3,000 surveys is available in an open-access public database. Information collected from monitoring surveys has become a key source of scientific data used in other research programs, reef policies, legislation, management and conservation.
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Date Issued
2021-04-21
Identifier
BC3355
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC3355