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MEPS 686:201-211 (2022)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14018

OPINION PIECE
Comparison of recent survey techniques for estimating benthic cover on Caribbean mesophotic reefs

Joseph R. Pawlik1,*, Roy A. Armstrong2, Stephanie Farrington3, John Reed3, Sara Rivero-Calle4, Hanumant Singh5, Brian K. Walker6, Jason White7

1Department of Biology and Marine Biology and Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
2Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR 00681, USA
3Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA
4University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Savannah, GA 31411, USA
5Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
6Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
7Undersea Vehicles Program, Center for Marine Science, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC 28409, USA
*Corresponding author:

ABSTRACT: Highly divergent estimates of benthic cover of sponges have been reported for Caribbean mesophotic reefs (90-100 m) based on quadrat point-intercept data collection using 2 methods: visual surveys conducted in situ by technical divers, and analyses of photographs taken by unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The second method has been criticized for potential errors from image distortion caused by variable camera angle relative to the substratum, but without a broader comparison of both methods. We find that studies that have used the UUV-based method are advantageous for a number of reasons, most importantly: (1) access to the full mesophotic zone, (2) higher sample replication, and (3) reduced likelihood of sampling bias. For tech diving surveys conducted at 91 m, i.e. the deepest depth reported using this method but only mid-way through the mesophotic zone, studies have reported particularly high sponge cover (~80 vs. <10% for UUV-based surveys), which may be a consequence of low replication and targeted sampling influenced by very short working times under hazardous conditions. When evaluating benthic abundance metrics from photographs, issues associated with variable substratum angle are common to any topographically complex surface, particularly within a quadrat. Nevertheless, point-intercept estimates are not dependent on quadrat area and are not subject to error due to image distortion or surface complexity. Unlike visual census data from tech dives, UUV photographs can be validated by taxonomic experts and archived for re-analysis. Past tech diving surveys should be repeated using the UUV-based method with greater replication over the full range of the mesophotic zone in order to reconcile divergent estimates of benthic cover.


KEY WORDS: Remotely operated vehicle · ROV · Autonomous underwater vehicle · AUV · Technical diving · Image distortion · Sponges · Coral reefs · Photogrammetry · Sampling


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Cite this article as: Pawlik JR, Armstrong RA, Farrington S, Reed J and others (2022) Comparison of recent survey techniques for estimating benthic cover on Caribbean mesophotic reefs. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 686:201-211. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14018

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