Padina pavonica Survey Wildlife Trust 2

Survey methodology:

Survey 2 – abundance.

From early April to late October each year carry out an abundance survey monthly at each of either Washing Ledge or The Flats. A spring tide is needed. A rota of areas to be recorded will be created to ensure that both areas are surveyed at least once every 2 months, but monthly if possible. The survey should only be carried out in calm, dry conditions in order to accurately record Padina.
Surveyors trained in the methodology will carry out the surveys but may be aided by non-trained volunteers. A minimum of 2 surveyors is required for each survey and the associated risk assessment should be read beforehand.
Using the maps provided of Washing Ledge and The Flats, mark as accurately as possible each patch of Peacock’s Tail found and record the location using What3Words on a mobile phone or tablet. Measure the length and width of each patch using a 30m tape and recording to the nearest 1cm. Use a gridded 0.25m2 quadrat to assess density of Padina within each patch. To do this, randomly (but carefully) throw the quadrat onto the patch. Count the number of squares which are at least half-occupied. Record density as:
• over 60% of the squares = Abundant,
• 30 – 60% of the squares = Frequent,
• less than 30% of the squares = Occasional.
If a patch is smaller or narrower than the quadrat, count the number of squares over the whole patch and the number in which Padina appears (only count if it appears in over half of the square) and estimate the %cover/abundance e.g. the whole patch takes up only 64 of the 100 squares and Padina is recorded in 45 of them (70%) so abundance is recorded as Abundant.
However if it is only recorded in 13 of the squares (20%) it is recorded as Occasional.

Allocate a number to each patch and record it on the map and on the corresponding survey form. Take a photo of each patch using the numbered squares to link each photo with the relevant patch e.g. in Patch 1 take a photo including the numbered square 1.

Use the map from the previous month’s survey to identify existing patches and their allocated numbers so that they can be re-measured to record growth/spread/decline. Add any new patches to the map and survey form that have not already been recorded on the previous survey.

At each site, look for the presence of any potential grazers within any patch, either on the fronds or among them. Record any ‘unusual’ grazers i.e. other than limpet, periwinkle, topshell or seahare. If unsure of species, take a photo or a sample for identification.
An assessment of any visible signs of disturbance at each site will be recorded.
Selecting 5 representative fronds from each patch assess the condition of the fronds against the frond condition index.