A detailed underwater and on-board workflow for marine ecological research, using a subtidal kelp forest study

Abstract

Compared to its terrestrial counterpart, work at sea to collect scientific data calls for an efficient workflow and particular skills from personnel, particularly when the study involves several observation variables. Therefore, a procedure that incorporates both the underwater and on-board phases in a coordinated manner is required. Although there exist published and validated sampling protocols for benthic habitats, in the existing literature it is more difficult to find workflows or recommendations for use prior to data collection. Using a kelp forest ecological assessment study as a model, we present a detailed workflow for sampling, both on-board and under hyperbaric conditions, so that it can be used as an example for subsequent evaluations, as a standardized method for systematic study in blue carbon ecosystems. cosystems.

Keywords

• work at sea
• marine forest
• kelp beds
• hyperbaric condictions
• scientific diving
• protocol