Scientific Research - Reef Watch

Wednesday 6th May 2009

Reef watch is a scientific program that looks at animals and species inbetween the high tide line and the low tide line on beaches. Mrs. Hobbs took us out on Wambana beach to study this area in closer detail. We used four methods to record data about the area, which we recorded on four sheets of paper we were provided with. The four sections were as follows:

1. LINE INTERCEPT TRANSECT (LIT) - To record the type of substrate (A surface on which an organism grows or is attached) e.g rock, grass, mussells, worms

2. LINE INTERCEPT TRANSECT (LIT) - To record the depth of the macro algae (algae that is easily visible compared to microalgae) and sediment (solid fragments of inorganic or organic material that come from the weathering of rock and are carried and deposited by wind and water)

3. LIT & QUADRAT - To record the abundance of mobile marine animals

4. LIT & QUADRAT - To record the percentage cover of substrate

The data we recorded is significantly important because it is published in the veiw of scientists, and if they can see that there is something wrong in the reef watch environment, whether it be an increase of decrease of a certain life form, etc. they can act on it, using it as vital information that they can use effectively. We did this by transforming our data from our sheets into an excel spread sheet then printed out and given to Mrs. Hobbs. This way she can use the data effectively.

The information we collected could have an impact on the scientific outcome of the reef watch area, and I am glad that we had correctly collected information that can be properly used for keeping the environment in the best possible shape. I am happy that our class can make a difference in keeping the environment healthy.

I also got an insight of what it would be like, to work along costal regions looking at reef watch, and I also learnt that even a little contribution can make a big difference in the end. I learnt what it would be like to be a marine biologist and even though we didn't find much in our recordings every little detail counts.