At the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment Workshop in June, we will be training participants on how to conduct the Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) to assess the condition of coral, algae, and fish communities. One of the biggest challenges of RAP is standardizing coral mortality estimates. The following training exercise will introduce you to estimating coral mortality.
The Goal: One of the main objectives of RAP is to provide a standardized protocol that will enable scientists working in different areas to collect and compare data on a regional scale. To achieve this goal, it is essential to standardize sampling methods prior to data collection. Standardization requires "consistency training" among observers, particularly in estimating the amount of coral mortality.
The Challenge:
Partial Mortality - review and understand the definition of partial mortality, including recent versus old death.
Train Your Eye - to estimate partial mortality by viewing the coral schematic diagrams.
Estimate Partial Mortality - by viewing the photographs of corals and comparing your estimates with the digitally determined estimates.
Practice Quiz - after reviewing all of the following pages, take the Practice Quiz at the end to see how your answers compare with the actual amounts.
Get in the Field - and practice estimating partial mortality.
RAP Training Page design by Patricia Richards. Coral mortality digitizing by William Kiene and Patricia Richards.
Questions about the RAP Training Page contact: agrra@rsmas.miami.edu