Introduction to the ECASA book of protocols

 Introduction

In order to ensure a high level of quality in the fieldwork, and standardization of methodology across study sites (and among the 16 ECASA partners), a book of protocols for sampling and measuring these variables was compiled, based on established and published methods. All ECASA partners agreed to work according to these methods and to note any deviations from the protocols. 

In addition to a standard set of protocols regarding sampling of the water and sediments at each of the study sites, a protocol was also established for the selection of sampling stations within each site. It was agreed that station positions should reflect gradients of impact, with one of the stations in the area of maximum impact. The selection process was done by modelling (using an appropriate current record) or pre-survey, by means of sediment sampling (e.g. redox, by acoustic methods or by video, etc.). We wanted to maximise the chance of detecting a gradient and to consider the distance from the farm that farming effects can be detected. A minimum of 5 stations per site were taken (in most cases this included a station at the farm’s edge, and then 25, 50, 75, 100m distance) and in some cases, even several more. The reference station was selected at a similar depth and sediment type sufficiently distant or upstream not to be influenced by the farm. If this was not possible, an additional station was added to the transect to reveal background conditions by comparing the trend away from the farm, i.e. if stations become more similar with distance.

The index below gives direct links to the protocols used in ECASA.

Index of Protocols used in ECASA

Hydrography

Large scale description of the sea-floor at the study site, by visual and other means

Sediment sampling

Grab sampling

Macrobenthos

Meiofauna

Phytobenthos

Sediment Chemistry

Sediment redox potential, Eh

Sediment grain size analysis (granulometry)

Sediment organic matter

Sediment organic carbon

Total nitrogen in sediment

Inorganic and organic phosphorus in sediment

Water column (water quality) sampling

Secchi disc transparency

Dissolved nutrients in seawater

Nitrate/nitrite in seawater

Orthophosphate in seawater

Ammonium in seawater

Total N and total P in seawater

Particulate matter in seawater

Particulate organic carbon and nitrogen in seawater

Particulate organic phophorus in seawater

Chlorophyll a determination

Bioassay studies to assess nutrient levels around aquaculture