Restoration Ecology 2013: Taking Core Samples

The first sampling method employed by my group was the use of sediment corers. In total, twelve sediment core samples were taken from both sites, 8 from the restored site and 4 from the non-restored site. In the restored site, six sediment core samples were taken from behind reef 3, 6, and 8 as well as from between reefs 3-4, 5-6 , and 7-8 for faunal analysis, and two cores were taken for sediment analysis, one behind reef 6 and one between reef 5-6. In the non-restored site, three sediment cores were taken, one near each settlement tray for faunal analysis and one sediment core was taken at 110m for later sediment analysis.The cores taken from the non-restored site were a little more difficult as the soil was covered with large loose shell. Each of the nine sediment core samples designated for faunal analysis were preserved for 1 week in formalin and a Rose bengal stain. After 1 week, the samples were drained for the formalin using a 300 micrometer sieve and transferred to 70% ethanol for analysis. The samples were carefully examined and all benthic organisms (infauna) were separated and preserved in 70% ethanol for later identification. We were able to find a number of organisms both in the restored site and within the non-restored site.

As expected, species abundance was greater in the restored site. The core samples from the restored had a higher species abundance in oligochaetas, polychaetas, amphipodas and gastropoda w Total species abundance for the restored site was approximately 479 individuals while in the unrestored site the species abundance was only 66 individuals. Measures of biodiversity were also calculated for the core samples, including a Shannon’s and Simpson’s index as well as a measure of Pielou’s evenness.