Dataset: Invertebrate survey counts in the rocky intertidal zone from Bodega Marine Reserve, CA, 2004-2013 (Intertidal Diversity project)

Percent cover of algae in 1.0 m diameter permanently marked plots was estimated using the random point contact method.  Each alga or sessile invertebrate present under each of 102 points within the plot was identified to species or the lowest possible taxonomic level in the field.  Thus percent cover can be greater than 100% where layering occurs.  Data were collected quarterly from 2004 to 2014 with a few missing time periods during funding lapses.

Macrofaunal invertebrates were sampled on the plots at quarterly intervals.  All mobile invertebrates were counted within four 20 x 20 cm quadrats interspersed within the larger 1 m diameter plot.  Identification was to the lowest possible taxonomic level in the field  (usually genus or species, but occasionally higher taxon)

Relevant References:

These data represent the "control" plots from the following papers:

John J. Stachowicz, Michael Graham, Matthew E. S. Bracken and Amber I. Szoboszlai. 2008. Diversity Enhances Cover and Stability of Seaweed Assemblages: The Role of Heterogeneity and TimeEcology, 89(11), 2008, pp. 3008-3019.

Rebecca J. Best, Ambre L. Chaudoin, Matthew E. S. Bracken, Michael H. Graham And John J. Stachowicz. 2014. Plant-animal diversity relationships in a rocky intertidal system depend on invertebrate body size and algal cover. Ecology, 95(5), 2014, pp. 1308-1322.