Cemar Routine Monitoring of Macroalgal and Phytoplankton Diversity

To monitor each site we have devised a system of transect based stratified sampling (based on the natural zonation of the coastal habitat) to estimate percent cover of algal species on the beach (useful for a variety of standard statistical procedures). We are also compiling 'complete' species inventories during our trips so that we can apply a new type of analyses, Taxonomic Distinctness, which will allow us to compare our contemporary data to historical records for the region.

Our intention is to maintain this program over a few decades. This project will, if supported in the long term, provide a valuable data set for understanding floristics in this important and unique region. NSERC's recent reallocation has highlighted the critical shortage of taxonomic experts capable of identifying the organisms that constitute Canada's biodiversity.