Shoals Marine Laboratory Intertidal Transect Study

2007 Impact statement

abstract

Colleagues and I are working to compile, digitize, summarize, and present intertidal transect data collected by Shoals Marine Laboratory students from 1983 through 2006. The dataset focuses on distribution (height) of principal organisms in the intertidal zone and represents a valuable long-term dataset that can be analyzed for variation in time and space.

submitted by

issue being addressed

Long-term ecological datasets are rare and exceedingly valuable in addressing societal questions of environmental change. The Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) intertidal dataset represents an opportunity to share with researchers, coastal planners, and the public whether there are observable changes in vertical distribution of principal intertidal organisms over the past 23 years.

response

To date, we have accessed and digitized data for the transect locations with the most complete data. Next, we will develop methods to analyze and present this information.

impact assessment

Likely impacts are described above. This work is in progress, so we do not yet have observed impacts.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

funding source description

This work is being undertaken by SML staff without outside resources.

key personnel

  • Kipp Quinby
  • Megan Eastwood

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008