CLMBMP Rocky Shore Quadrat Sampling

Quadrat sampling is a tool to study the ecology and biodiversity of a habitat. This is a passive form of sampling,
done without removing the marine life found and provides a detailed record of species present within a known area while minimising impact to the habitat.

This survey is great to look in detail at a small area of a rocky shore, you will be amazed at the amount of different animals and plants you’ll find within a small area. The abundances and densities of marine animals can be calculated using the number of individuals found in a standardised quadrat area. Species such as barnacles, seaweeds, algae, and colonial animals such as sponges and lichens can be recorded in terms of their percentage cover.

We recommend when surveying a site that you should complete this survey on three different transect lines, with four quadrats surveyed per zone on each transect line (upper, middle and lower shore). This will allow the data to be scientifically analysed to interpret potential trends.