Estimation of the Benthic Habitat Zonation by Photo-Quadrat Image Analysis along the Fringing Reef of Weno Island, Chuuk, Micronesia

Benthic habitat zonation is described from in situ observations and seabed photographs taken the coastal area of Weno Island, Chuuk, Micronesia. Habitat groups, types, boundaries are defined by visible substratum characteristics (i.e., digital imaging photo-quadrats along transect lines), cluster ordination analyses using relative coverage percentage identified classification categories. The statistical similarity between groups determined Analysis (ANOSIM). with significant influence on determination type isolated (SIMPER) test. In addition to standard practices lines collecting data accordance already well-implemented thoroughly-tested benthic scheme for tropical reef monitoring, we applied simple statistics that enable comparative interpretation. Our simple, repeatable methods provide a framework habitat-related monitoring research allows comparison results across regions.