Monitoring of rocky-shore assemblages in the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean)
<p data-start="432" data-end="983" style="white-space: normal; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Since 1999, CSIC-CEAB has conducted an annual monitoring program of upper infralittoral rocky-shore assemblages along the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea) to assess the ecological status of coastal water bodies, in compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The program focuses on macroalgal communities and associated benthic invertebrates, with particular attention to species-level identification of macroalgae (Ochrophyta, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta) and molluscs. Other taxa are recorded at higher taxonomic resolution.</p><p data-start="985" data-end="1354" style="white-space: normal; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sampling takes place at 18 to 152 sites per year and uses 15×15 cm quadrats placed on the rocky shore at 0 m depth. Although annual, the monitoring includes occasional gaps due to logistic constraints.</p>
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