Site Classification and Selection
Steven N. Murray, Richard F. Ambrose, Megan N. Dethier · 2006
For any intertidal zone sampling program, site selection probably has the greatest influence on the overall program design. Unless sampling is intentionally confined to one location, and site comparisons are not needed, site selection is an important decision—one on which all conclusions obtained from the sampling program will be based. If sites to be compared are not physically similar, then physical differences can confound any conclusions about what might cause or correlate with any detected differences or trends. This chapter discusses procedures for site selection, including the classification of shorelines to avoid confounding problems resulting from differences in geophysical site characteristics. It also reviews the utility of shoreline habitat maps and the pros and cons of sampling particular microhabitats on rocky shores. In addition, it considers how sites should be selected based on program goals and how these goals will differ depending on the objectives of the sampling program. Finally, the chapter examines the key role of replicating sites in developing a robust study design.