SWAT: Sampling Procedure-Seastars

Seastars

Kristen Kusic with Evasterius and Pisaster The ocher star, Pisaster ochraceus, is the target of our 'band transect' searches because it is an important predator in the intertidal. Other types of seastars are also recorded because they are underrepresented by our other sampling methods. Abalone are recorded as part of ongoing monitoring of their populations. The black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii, is a candidate species for the federal endangered species list under the Endangered Species Act 1973.

The distribution and abundance of these organisms are recorded from a two meter wide band centered over each transect line from high to low zone. This band is searched for all seastars and abalone. Their position (to the nearest half meter along the transect), number and species names are recorded on data sheets.

Megan Williams counting stars


	Seastars The ocher star, Pisaster ochraceus, is the target of our 'band transect' searches because it is an important predator in the intertidal. Other types of seastars are also recorded because they are underrepresented by our other sampling methods. Abalone are recorded as part of ongoing monitoring of their populations. The black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii, is a candidate species for the federal endangered species list under the Endangered Species Act 1973. The distribution and abundance of these organisms are recorded from a two meter wide band centered over each transect line from high to low zone. This band is searched for all seastars and abalone. Their position (to the nearest half meter along the transect), number and species names are recorded on data sheets.