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Method for comparing the capture efficiency of benthic sampling devices

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Abstract

Traditional comparisons between the capture efficiency of sampling devices have generally looked at the absolute differences between devices. We recommend that the signal-to-noise ratio be used when comparing the capture efficiency of benthic sampling devices. Using the signal-to-noise ratio rather than the absolute difference has the advantages that the variance is taken into account when determining how important the difference is, the hypothesis and minimum detectable difference can be made identical for all taxa, it is independent of the units used for measurement, and the sample-size calculation is independent of the variance. This new technique is illustrated by comparing the capture efficiency of a 0.05 m2 van Veen grab and an airlift suction device, using samples taken from Heron and One Tree lagoons, Australia.

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Author notes

  1. B. G. Long

    Present address: CSIRO Marine Laboratories, P.O. Box 120, 4163, Cleveland, Queensland, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Queensland, 4067, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia

    B. G. Long

  2. Biometrics Unit, CSIRO Marine Laboratories, P.O. Box 120, 4163, Cleveland, Queensland, Australia

    Y. G. Wang

Authors
  1. B. G. Long
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  2. Y. G. Wang
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Communicated by G. F. Humphrey, Sydney

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Long, B.G., Wang, Y.G. Method for comparing the capture efficiency of benthic sampling devices. Marine Biology 121, 397–399 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00346750

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00346750

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