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Influence of Item Distribution Pattern and Abundance on Efficiency of Benthic Core Sampling

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Abstract

Core sampling is a commonly used method to estimate benthic item density, but little information exists about factors influencing the accuracy and time-efficiency of this method. We simulated core sampling in a Geographic Information System framework by generating points (benthic items) and polygons (core samplers) to assess how sample size (number of core samples), core sampler size (cm2), distribution of benthic items, and item density affected the bias and precision of estimates of density, the detection probability of items, and the time-costs. When items were distributed randomly versus clumped, bias decreased and precision increased with increasing sample size and increased slightly with increasing core sampler size. Bias and precision were only affected by benthic item density at very low values (500–1,000 items/m2). Detection probability (the probability of capturing ≥ 1 item in a core sample if it is available for sampling) was substantially greater when items were distributed randomly as opposed to clumped. Taking more small diameter core samples was always more time-efficient than taking fewer large diameter samples. We are unable to present a single, optimal sample size, but provide information for researchers and managers to derive optimal sample sizes dependent on their research goals and environmental conditions.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University for funds and other resources. We also wish to thank H. Hagy and J. Straub for sharing their seed mass data. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Center for Ecology, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA

    Adam C. Behney, Ryan O’Shaughnessy & Michael W. Eichholz

  2. U.S. Geological Survey, South Dakota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57007, USA

    Joshua D. Stafford

Authors
  1. Adam C. Behney
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  2. Ryan O’Shaughnessy
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  3. Michael W. Eichholz
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  4. Joshua D. Stafford
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Correspondence to Adam C. Behney.

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Behney, A.C., O’Shaughnessy, R., Eichholz, M.W. et al. Influence of Item Distribution Pattern and Abundance on Efficiency of Benthic Core Sampling. Wetlands 34, 1109–1121 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-014-0570-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-014-0570-x

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