Field Survey Protocol Research Articles

Hydrogeomorphic exploration of a local headwater stream in low mountainous environment following detailed field survey protocol (Mecsek Mountains, Hungary)

Comprehensive field survey of the physiographic context and channel morphology is a key to distinguish characteristic hydrogeomorphic reaches of a watercourse. In this analysis field data were collected during seasonal campaigns following a field survey protocol developed in the Polish Carpathian Mountains. Complementary information was conducted from cartographic materials and digital elevation model to map diverse sections of the semi-natural Váralja Stream in the Eastern Mecsek Mountains. Geological, geomorphological and anthropogenic effects had to be considered as decisive factors in recent fluvial development, with emphasis on the sediment transport influenced by woody debris. A total of 12 hydrogeomorphic reaches were identified along the stream by interpreting the spatial arrangement of channel forms and analysing the characteristics of the watershed environment. The mapped reaches are connected with transitional zones of different length. Step systems are typical on the upper reach of the stream, but they were found to be the result of the geological composition and structure of the region. It was also proven that woody debris accumulations, made up of tree trunks, branches and roots have significant influence on the channel evolution of the Váralja stream. Even though the presented field survey instructions were field-tested in alpine catchments the conducted research confirmed the applicability of such workflow in low mountainous environment. Furthermore, the results on the hydrogeomorphic conditions of this small watershed with intense relief provide useful information for understanding the flash floods occurring in the region.

Inverse association linking serum levels of potential antioxidant vitamins with C-reactive protein levels using a novel analytical approach.

Exposures to antioxidants (AO) are associated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), but the pattern of evidence is mixed, due in part to studying each potential AO, one at a time, when multiple AO exposures might affect CRP levels. By studying multiple AO via a composite indicator approach, we estimate the degree to which serum CRP level is associated with serum AO level. Standardised field survey protocols for the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 yielded nationally representative cross-sectional samples of adults aged 20 years and older (n 8841). NHANES latex-enhanced nephelometry quantified serum CRP levels. Liquid chromatography quantified serum concentrations of vitamins A, E and C and carotenoids. Using structural equations, we regressed CRP level on AO levels, and derived a summary estimate for a composite of these potential antioxidants (CPA), with covariates held constant. The association linking CPA with CRP was inverse, stronger for slightly elevated CRP (1·8≤CRP<10 mg/l; slope= -1·08; 95 % CI -1·39, -0·77) and weaker for highly elevated CRP (≥10 mg/l; slope= -0·52; 95 % CI -0·68, -0·35), with little change when covariates were added. Vitamins A and C, as well as lutein+zeaxanthin, were prominent contributors to the composite. In these cross-sectional data studied via a composite indicator approach, the CPA level and the CRP level were inversely related. The stage is set for more confirmatory longitudinal or intervention research on multiple vitamins. The composite indicator approach might be most useful in epidemiology when several exposure constructs are too weakly inter-correlated to be studied via formal measurement models for underlying latent dimensions.

Developing robust field survey protocols in landscape ecology: a case study on birds, plants and butterflies

Sustainable land management requires scientists to provide reliable data on diversity distribution patterns. Resource restrictions limit the affordable sampling effort, both with respect to number of survey sites and amount of effort per site. We compared different levels of survey effort in a case study in Central Romania, varying the number of repeats per site and number of survey sites. Target taxa were plants, birds and butterflies. For plants, we surveyed three 10 m2 plots and ten plots of 1 m2 at each site. For birds, we used point counts and for butterflies Pollard walks, in both cases with four repeats. We fitted hierarchical community models to estimate true species richness per site. Estimates of true species richness per site strongly correlated with observed species richness. However, hierarchical community models yielded unrealistically high estimates of true species richness per site, hence we used observed richness for further analyses. For each species group, we compared diversity indices from subsets of the dataset with the full dataset. Findings obtained with a reduced survey effort reflected well those obtained with full effort. Moreover, we conducted a power analysis to assess how the number of survey sites affected the minimum detectable effect of landscape heterogeneity on species richness, and found there was an exponential decrease in the minimum detectable effect with increasing number of sites. In combination, our findings suggest that assessing broad diversity patterns in abundant and readily detectable organisms may be possible with relatively low survey effort per site. Our study demonstrates the utility of conducting pilot studies prior to designing large-scale studies on diversity distribution patterns.

The Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey (GGMFS): challenges and opportunities of a unique, large-scale collaboration for invasion biology

To understand what makes some species successful invaders, it is critical to quantify performance differences between native and introduced regions, and among populations occupying a broad range of environmental conditions within each region. However, these data are not available even for the world&rsquo;s most notorious invasive species. Here we introduce the Global Garlic Mustard Field Survey, a coordinated distributed field survey to collect performance data and germplasm from a single invasive species: garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) across its entire distribution using minimal resources. We chose this species for its ecological impacts, prominence in ecological studies of invasion success, simple life history, and several genetic and life history attributes that make it amenable to experimental study. We developed a standardised field survey protocol to estimate population size (area) and density, age structure, plant size and fecundity, as well as damage by herbivores and pathogens in each population, and to collect representative seed samples. Across four years and with contributions from 164 academic and non-academic participants from 16 countries in North America and Europe thus far, we have collected 45,788 measurements and counts of 137,811 plants from 383 populations and seeds from over 5,000 plants. All field data and seed resources will be curated for release to the scientific community. Our goal is to establish A. petiolata as a model species for plant invasion biology and to encourage large collaborative studies of other invasive species.

Spatio-Temporal Variability of Aquatic Vegetation in Taihu Lake over the Past 30 Years

It is often difficult to track the spatio-temporal variability of vegetation distribution in lakes because of the technological limitations associated with mapping using traditional field surveys as well as the lack of a unified field survey protocol. Using a series of Landsat remote sensing images (i.e. MSS, TM and ETM+), we mapped the composition and distribution area of emergent, floating-leaf and submerged macrophytes in Taihu Lake, China, at approximate five-year intervals over the past 30 years in order to quantify the spatio-temporal dynamics of the aquatic vegetation. Our results indicated that the total area of aquatic vegetation increased from 187.5 km2 in 1981 to 485.0 km2 in 2005 and then suddenly decreased to 341.3 km2 in 2010. Similarly, submerged vegetation increased from 127.0 km2 in 1981 to 366.5 km2 in 2005, and then decreased to 163.3 km2. Floating-leaf vegetation increased continuously through the study period in both area occupied (12.9 km2 in 1981 to 146.2 km2 in 2010) and percentage of the total vegetation (6.88% in 1981 to 42.8% in 2010). In terms of spatial distribution, the aquatic vegetation in Taihu Lake has spread gradually from the East Bay to the surrounding areas. The proportion of vegetation in the East Bay relative to that in the entire lake has decreased continuously from 62.3% in 1981, to 31.1% in 2005 and then to 21.8% in 2010. Our findings have suggested that drastic changes have taken place over the past 30 years in the spatial pattern of aquatic vegetation as well as both its relative composition and the amount of area it occupies.

Marine Mammal Monitoring on Guam

Data on marine mammals, specifically information on their stock numbers, seasonal migrations, population structure, habitat use, and behaviors is limited. This study of island associated resident pods of the long nosed spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) was conducted near the island of Guam, part of the Mariana Archipelago, south of Japan. These spinner dolphins may be negatively impacted by an increased United States military presence on Guam which leads to expanded training activity, population growth, coastal development and associated tourism. This study compiles historical and current data on marine mammal sightings and behaviors to study possible impact of US military presence. The long nosed spinner dolphins (S. longirostris) are of particular interest because of their proximity to shorelines, their habitat use, and their daily activity schedule. Current data was collected from interviews and sighting events. Standard photo documentation and field survey protocols developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) were used. This study created a preliminary marine mammal database for Guam and has expanded the limited information available. In addition, sighting information was used along with geographical information system (GIS) software to combine NOAA benthic habitat maps with multibeam bathymetry to gain a better understanding of the habitats occupied by documented species. Preliminary results suggest that S. longirostris populations in Guam have similar circadian and seasonal rhythms as Hawaiian S. longirostris populations. The results also demonstrate that Guam spinner dolphins show a preference for clear, relatively shallow open water bays with underlying, unconsolidated sediment (sandy bottoms). An increase in military use of shallow bays and dolphin-associated ecotourism could therefore negatively impact resident populations of the Guam spinner dolphins.

A Nation-Wide Standardized Bird Survey Scheme for Venezuela

Abstract We developed a field survey protocol based on the North American Breeding Bird Survey to evaluate the efficiency and reliability of a bird monitoring scheme in the Neotropics, known as NeoMaps. A team of 21 amateur and professional ornithologists conducted bird counts at 27 locations distributed throughout Venezuela between March and April 2010. Locations selected followed a stratified spatial sampling design derived from environmental and biogeographical variables. Two complementary survey protocols were implemented in consecutive days along 40-km-long roadside transects. Three-minute point counts were performed at 50 stops, 800 m from each other on day 1. Cumulative species lists were recorded at a selection of 10 stops sampled for 9 min each, divided into three consecutive 3-min periods on day 2. We recorded 593 species at the 27 sites combined, representing 57% of the 1,033 potential species, or 43% of all known Venezuelan species. An additional 83 species were recorded outside of the formal ...

Comparison of forest stand structure and management of silver fir–European beech forests in the Central Apennines, Italy and in the Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia

In this study, silver fir – European beech forest types were examined in their structure and tree species composition. Two study areas, one in the Molise Region in Italy (Abeti Soprani) and one in the Dinaric Mountains in Slovenia (Leskova dolina), were compared in their dynamics and present structure. The aim of the study was to assess if a standardized field survey protocol can supply indicators related to forest structure and composition, and deadwood amount in two different Natura 2000 sites. The present structure and composition were evaluated on a 1-ha plot in each area. All live trees, standing and downed dead trees, snags, stumps, and lying coarse woody debris were censed. For each individual tree, the position within the plot, the species, diameter at breast height, height or length, crown structure and height, and decay level (only for deadwood) were recorded. The forest structure was influenced by past management, modifying the tree density, the amount of deadwood and the growth trends. The spatial distribution of trees and their vertical stratification show pluristratified stands with a mainly horizontal random pattern. The assessment of forest parameters in large plots could be an opportunity to evaluate the best choices for a nature-based silvicultural approach.

Combining Landsat ETM+ and Reef Check classifications for mapping coral reefs: a critical assessment from the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia

While the remote-sensing community attempts to find measures of reef "health" able to be detected and mapped using satellite image data, internationally recognized field assessments are already in place to document benthic cover, among other parameters, as an indicator of coral reef status. Reef Check is one such program, designed in 1996 as a globally applicable, rapid, field-survey protocol for coral reef health monitoring by volunteer divers (Hodgson 1999). The protocol is designed to provide a measure of reef health based on indicator species or families for fish, invertebrates, and substrates. Data collected contribute to a global-scale database on coral reef status for use in management plans (Hodgson 1999). Today, over 5,000 trained volunteer divers are led by more than 160 scientists in surveys of 1,500 reefs in 60 countries. During the survey, they record substrate type directly under a measuring tape at 0.5-m intervals on 4· 20 m consecutive transects between 3- and 10-m depth (Hodgson and Liebler 2002). The Reef Check substrate classification scheme provides information on benthic habitats such as hard coral, dead coral, soft coral, fleshy algae, rock, rubble, sand, silt sponge, and other. This is the same type of information that remote-sensing scientists are often asked to extract from image data by coral reef scientists and managers. Reef Check programs are an important source of reef-health information, yet the data collected will always be point based, and extrapolation to non-surveyed areas will be required. Remotely sensed data can provide a spatially extensive survey if methods are developed to successfully link ground-survey observations, like those provided by Reef Check, with satellite or airborne images. Thus, the objectives of our project were (1) to determine whether Reef Check substrate classes could be successfully mapped with Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) image data, and (2) to determine whether Reef Check data that are currently collected globally may be used for training and assessing the accuracy of remotely sensed image classifications. We address our objectives using a case study in the Capricorn Bunker Group, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Convergence of field survey protocols for SERCON (System for Evaluating Rivers for Conservation) and RHS (River Habitat Survey)

1. SERCON is a technique for assessing the conservation value of rivers in terms of criteria such as naturalness, physical diversity and species richness. Part of the process involves gathering information on the physical features of rivers and their corridors, for which accurate survey data are essential. 2. SERCON has been developed in parallel with River Habitat Survey (RHS), a method for compiling an inventory of physical features and for classifying habitat quality based on surveys of discrete river reaches. 3. A study was carried out to compare SERCON scores derived from RHS data with those obtained from a tailor-made SERCON survey method. RHS surveys were carried out at 118 sites (each 0.5 km in length, one site every 4 km) on five rivers in Scotland. The whole length of each river was also surveyed using the SERCON survey method. Additional data comprising a complete RHS coverage of one river in NW England were used to assess the influence of survey site frequency on SERCON scores. 4. Scores derived from both methods were similar for some of the features evaluated. However, other features were either not recorded at all by RHS, or were recorded in a way that led to inaccurate scoring. A survey strategy of one RHS site every 2 km was found to represent the most cost-effective compromise between the ideal of contiguous survey and the reality of limited time and money. 5. A revised SERCON survey protocol has been devised consisting of a modified RHS together with an ‘inter-reach’ survey for assessing any major changes between survey sites. Further modifications to the way some features are scored in SERCON may be needed later to provide full integration with RHS. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Convergence of field survey protocols for SERCON (System for Evaluating Rivers for Conservation) and RHS (River Habitat Survey)

1. SERCON is a technique for assessing the conservation value of rivers in terms of criteria such as naturalness, physical diversity and species richness. Part of the process involves gathering information on the physical features of rivers and their corridors, for which accurate survey data are essential. 2. SERCON has been developed in parallel with River Habitat Survey (RHS), a method for compiling an inventory of physical features and for classifying habitat quality based on surveys of discrete river reaches. 3. A study was carried out to compare SERCON scores derived from RHS data with those obtained from a tailor-made SERCON survey method. RHS surveys were carried out at 118 sites (each 0.5 km in length, one site every 4 km) on five rivers in Scotland. The whole length of each river was also surveyed using the SERCON survey method. Additional data comprising a complete RHS coverage of one river in NW England were used to assess the influence of survey site frequency on SERCON scores. 4. Scores derived from both methods were similar for some of the features evaluated. However, other features were either not recorded at all by RHS, or were recorded in a way that led to inaccurate scoring. A survey strategy of one RHS site every 2 km was found to represent the most cost-effective compromise between the ideal of contiguous survey and the reality of limited time and money. 5. A revised SERCON survey protocol has been devised consisting of a modified RHS together with an ‘inter-reach’ survey for assessing any major changes between survey sites. Further modifications to the way some features are scored in SERCON may be needed later to provide full integration with RHS. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of 2,3-dibromopropanol in air.

One of the starting materials for the preparation of TRIS-BP (tris-2,3-dibromopropanol phosphate), which is used in the treatment of fabrics and various materials to make them nonflammable, is 2,3-dibromopropanol. Because of the reported toxic nature of its parent phosphate compound, 2,3-dibromopropanol recently has been used by itself as a fire retardant. The manufacture and use of 2,3-dibromopropanol as a fire retardant, however, have been a matter of great concern in the workplace because of its mutagenic, carcinogenic and nephrotoxic nature. A sensitive air sampling and analytical method has been developed as part of a complete field survey protocol. This paper describes the development of an air sampling and gas-liquid chromatographic analysis procedure for 2,3-dibromopropanol. The detection limit for the method is 5 microg per sample and the relative standard deviation for the method is 5%.

Determination of 2,3-Dibromopropanol in Air

One of the starting materials for the preparation of TRIS-BP(Tris-2,3-dibromopropanol phosphate), which is used in the treatment of fabrics and various materials to make them nonflammable, is 2,3-dibromopropanol. Because of the reported toxic nature of its parent phosphate compound, 2,3-dibromopropanol recently has been used by itself as a fire retardant. The manufacture and use of 2,3-dibromopropanol as a fire retardant, however, have been a matter of great concern in the workplace because of its mutagenic, carcinogenic and nephrotoxic nature. A sensitive air sampling and analytical method has been developed as part of a complete field survey protocol. This paper describes the development of an air sampling and gas-liquid chromatographic analysis procedure for 2,3-dibromopropanol. The detection limit for the method is 5 µg per sample and the relative standard deviation for the method is 5%.