SCUBA habitat sampling characterizes benthic habitat cover and associated reef attributes (substrate type, relief) following PISCO protocols for uniform point count (UPC) surveys. These surveys provide insight into the structure and function of nearshore rocky reef communities in Oregon’s state waters. Divers record three types of information every meter along a 30m transect: substrate type, physical relief and identity of the organism attached to the reef. The percent-cover of space-occupying organisms is estimated for species that are directly attached to the primary substrate and includes non-motile benthic invertebrates and algae. Two depths are targeted for these surveys 12.5 and 20 meters. Write-ins are allowed, for species not included on PISCO data-sheets.
Our SCUBA benthic habitat sampling at Cascade Head began in 2013, one year before harvest restrictions began. Sampling is conducted in the marine reserve and two comparison areas, Cavalier and Schooner Creek (see methods Appendix for additional information about comparison area selection). We conducted four years of sampling that are included in our analysis and report. Note, sampling in Schooner Creek did not begin until 2014.
Data from SCUBA benthic habitat monitoring efforts can be used to explore questions about benthic habitat diversity, community composition and percent cover of various species groups. Questions about diversity and community composition can be used to help us understand how the benthic communities at these sites are similar or different. Data on percent cover can enable us to explore changes over time; and whether these changes are similar both inside the reserve and outside in comparison areas. For all data our main focus is exploring trends by site and year.