Estimating coral reef rugosity using shadow cues

Authors

Bayosa Aya B. Cariño ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman
Laura David ⋅ PH Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman
Wilfredo Licuanan ⋅ PH Biology Department and Shields Marine Station, De La Salle University
Maricor Soriano ⋅ PH National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman

Abstract

An important element for the productivity of reef-based fisheries is rugosity. Rugosity describes how well a reef acts as shelter for juvenile fish. The traditional method of measuring rugosity is tedious and requires a scuba diver. A faster, noncontact method for estimating rugosity is by getting the percent shadow. The relative rugosities from shadow correctly show which row within a quadrat is more rugose, as verified visually by a marine scientist and by comparison with results of the chain intercept method. Further studies should consider color variations due to changes in bathymetry to account for large scale spatial relief.

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Issue

2010: Proceedings of the 28th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Congress

Strengthening physics research and education for a brighter tomorrow
25-27 October 2010, MERALCO Management and Leadership Development Center, Antipolo City

Article ID

SPP-2010-6C-04

Section

Complex Systems

Published

2010-10-25

How to Cite

[1]

BAB Cariño, L David, W Licuanan, and M Soriano, Estimating coral reef rugosity using shadow cues, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 28, SPP-2010-6C-04 (2010). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2010-6C-04.