Annual MIS Inventory Survey of Coastal Habitats

Marine Introduced Species Monitoring Resource Center

OVERVIEW

In the month of August or September, an inventory of the entire evaluation area should be conducted to assess the presence of all marine introduced species. This includes the sites that are being monitored on a monthly basis, such as the docks, tidepools and rocky shore habitats. Only presence/ absence will be recorded. This survey will provide a complete picture of what MIS are in the area. Late summer and early fall are the optimal seasons to conduct the survey because generally with the warm weather and water, species reach their peak abundance and/or size. The quadrat sampling and line transect sampling provide in more detail the native and introduced species presence and abundance, but because the sampling is limited to 4 quadrats or meters, some introduced species may be missed.

This survey will provide information from which to choose new sites for more extensive monitoring. The data collected will be entered into the Hitchhiker Sighting Submission Form, MIT Sea Grant Center for Coastal Resources. Photographs of each MIS will be taken and included with each Hitchhiker Sighting Submission.

EQUIPMENT

Two 30 meter tape measures or two ropes with meter markings Clipboard and pencil Data sheets Refractometer Protective footwear Buckets for holding mobile organisms

Marine Invasive ID Cards Marine Field Guides Ziplock bags or watertight containers Camera Thermometer

DIRECTIONS
How to conduct an inventory survey:
1. Survey the entire rocky or cobble habitat evaluation area between the mid and low tide lines or the entire dock area in August or September.
2. Record the names of all volunteer monitors present, date, beginning time and end time, time of low tide, weather, and site number.
3. Measure and record salinity, and water and air temperatures.
4. Have one data recorder. Based on the number of team monitors, canvas the entire area for presence of MIS.
5. Check off each marine introduced species present in the entire evaluation area using the inventory data sheet. (Native species are not recorded, nor is abundance.)
6. Photograph one of each MIS found at the site.
7. Collect specimen samples only if species is unknown or believed to be on the list of potential invaders.
8. Return data sheets to the coordinating organization for data entry.