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Comparing fixed-point and probabilistic sampling designs for monitoring the marine ecosystem near McMurdo Station, Ross Sea, Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 May 2008

Sally Morehead ,
Paul Montagna  and
Mahlon C. Kennicutt II
Sally Morehead*
Affiliation:
University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
Paul Montagna
Affiliation:
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Harte Research Institute, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5869, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
Mahlon C. Kennicutt II
Affiliation:
Texas A&M University, Office of the Vice President for Research, Rm 318C Administration Bldg, College Station, TX 77843-1112, USA
*
*sally.morehead@mail.utexas.edu
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Abstract

Fixed-point and probabilistic sampling designs were compared to investigate which design best detected known contamination gradients in the marine ecosystem adjacent to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The fixed-point sampling design included transects along historical contamination and physical disturbance gradients. The probabilistic sampling design used randomly selected hexagons spaced at 50 m intervals. In both designs, 15 stations were sampled over a small area (~1 km2) that extended from Winter Quarters Bay to Cape Armitage. Sediment quality triad components (sediment chemical contaminants, sediment toxicity, and a benthic index of biotic integrity) were measured to indicate chemical, toxicological, and biological effects. There were higher correlations between sediment quality triad components for the fixed-point sampling design than for the probabilistic design. The fixed-point design was better at detecting the intensity of alteration because disturbance of the marine ecosystem at McMurdo Station is localized within a small area. Based on these results, a limited fixed-point design with nine stations detected no significant change in macrofaunal community structure over a four year period from 2000–2004. However, the macrofaunal assemblages present in the contaminated portions of Winter Quarters Bay are indicative of a disturbed benthic community that has been subject to organic enrichment and toxic chemical exposure.

Keywords

benthoscontaminationdisturbanceindexmacroinfaunaRoss Island
Type
Biological Sciences
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 20 , Issue 5 , October 2008 , pp. 471 - 484
Copyright
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2008

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