An evaluation of photo line-intercept transect (PLIT) method for coral reef monitoring

摘要

The use of line-intercept transect (LIT) method combined with image analysis, i.e. photo line intercept transect (PLIT) method, where digital photos of corals along a transect line are taken and the length of corals intercepting the transect line are measured, was evaluated for coral reef monitoring. Coral coverage (%) and generic diversity were examined with the PLIT at eleven coral reefs and the results were compared with that from a photo-quadrat method (PHOTS) as a standard. Although PLIT significantly underestimated the coral coverage compared to PHOTS, the difference between the two methods was approximately 8% and was not large. PLIT can be used as a quick, easy and inexpensive method to estimate coral coverage for management level monitoring. However, PLIT considerably underestimated the number of coral genera and would not be appropriate if diversity is included in the monitoring measurements.