Subtidal Kelp & Kelp Ecosystem Services (WG2)
Goals
Document, compare, and ensure interoperability of methods and metrics associated with subtidal monitoring (e.g., SCUBA, remotely operated vehicle, drop camera) of kelp forests in Washington and British Columbia. Bring together methods and data to identify gaps and opportunities in subtidal monitoring to improve management outcomes.
Specific goals are to:
Improve organization and access to subtidal kelp data and metadata
Assess kelp forest ecosystem health and services between regions and over time
2a) Improve standardization of methodologies to enable comparisons
Establish a process for providing actionable information to inform management and policy actions associated with subtidal kelp monitoring
3a) Identify change points of kelp forest ecosystem health
3b) Inform co-design of management and policy
3c) Both inform and respond to implementation of new policies
Priority Actions & Deliverables
These objectives and deliverables were mapped out by the group in the first WG1 meeting. They are a work-in-progress and will continue to be refined.
Identify and compare existing survey protocol methods and metrics
1a) Compare SCUBA-based versus ROV-based surveys
1b) Review and collate standards for SCUBA-based methods
1c) Review and collate standards for imagery and data processing for ROVs
Create an evolving georeferenced database and mapping tool for subtidal monitoring data that records which groups are collecting data, provides a contact person (data manager), and moderates accessibility as needed to respect confidentiality
2a) Story map with data collectors and managers
2b) Framework to extract or extrapolate these data for other areas
Identify standardized kelp indicators that can be measured using different subtidal survey methods (SCUBA underwater visual census, ROV surveys, BRUVs) to identify the ecosystem status/health and services of kelp forests
3a) Don’t stop at metrics but look for triggers and targets that we might expect to see with climate change
Annual report card on indicators (with triggers and targets to show when management actions are needed)
Leadership
Jennifer McHenry, UVIC (CAN)
Dayv Lowry, NOAA (USA)
Joanne Lessard, DFO (CAN)
Sharon Jeffery, DFO (CAN)
Lynn Lee, Parks Canada (CAN)
Ondine Pontier, Hakai Institute (CAN)
Eliza Heery, UW Tacoma (USA)
Ross Whippo, University of Oregon (USA)
Updates & News
Revisit previous meetings (link to Meeting Recordings and Meeting Notes)
Working Group Materials
Access WG2 materials here (link to shared drive)