Developing an efficient macrofauna monitoring index from an impact study — A dredge spoil example

摘要: Abstract Data from an initial impact study were used to develop a labour-efficient index for biological monitoring of dredge spoil disposal. Each 12 indicator species was assigned score, based primarily on the ratio its abundance in control vs impacted samples. The ‘Index’ value average score those present sample. Index tested during second survey. Sample processing calculation took only 25% time required process all macrofauna. provided sensible, semi-quantitative indication benthic values 6 indicative ‘severe’, ‘patchy’ and ‘no’ respectively. Mean correlated with mean macrofaunal richness (r = 0.93, P