MARINe Biodiversity Surveys

As practitioners in the Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal network (MARINe), we use standardized and coordinated methods to study changes in biodiversity and community structure on rocky intertidal shores. These surveys have been designed to gather detailed information on diversity and abundance of algae and invertebrates found within rocky intertidal communities. With this information we can reveal the long-term effects of climate change and coastal development on intertidal communities, individual species, and examine patterns of species composition. 

The MARINe approach is one of the largest spanning and longest running monitoring networks of its kind, with established sites spreading from Southeast Alaska stretching down to Mexico. In collaboration with researchers from MARINe, the Sentinels of Change Project will be establishing 16 new sites within the Salish Sea, spanning the Washington and BC borders. 

MARINe Biodiversity Surveys consist of three main survey types:

1. Mobile Invertebrate Quadrat Surveys

2. Swath Counts - Sea Star Abundances

3. Invertebrate and Seaweed Point Intercepts