🐠 Fauna / Biodiversity Observation Survey

This guide explains how to record fauna observations (reef fish, invertebrates, etc.), how plots are used, and how entries map to FAUNA_OBSERVATION in the backend.

How plots work in MariMap

• A Site holds your broader area; a Plot is the repeatable observation unit (e.g., a belt transect, fixed quadrat, or point).
• For biodiversity work, plots are commonly transects (fixed length/width) or quadrats (fixed area).
• Each plot has your own external_id/label, optional notes, and optional geojson. Keep them stable for trend analysis.

In a FAUNA_OBSERVATION survey, you attach the plots you observed. Within each plot, you can record observations at genus level and/or species level, including counts and optional size classes.

Before you go to the field

• Define plots: belt transect (e.g., 50 m × 5 m) or quadrat size; draw/import geometry if you use precise mapping.
• Team roles: one observer calls species/size, one recorder writes; or use a slate + voice notes.
• Gear checklist
  • Transect tape / markers
  • Slate or waterproof data sheets
  • Camera (still or video) for later validation
  • Species ID guide (laminated or app)
• Protocol points
  • Start/end of transect, swim speed, and observation side(s).
  • Handling of schooling fish and cryptic species.
  • Size class bins you will use (e.g., 0–5, 6–10, 11–20 cm).

In the field — simple flow (belt transect example)

1. Lay the transect or navigate the fixed line.
2. Maintain steady speed and consistent observation width.
3. For each taxon observed:
   • Record genus or species (prefer species if certain).
   • Add count. For schools, estimate conservatively and be consistent.
   • Optionally assign size classes (bin counts by size range).
   • Add quick notes (behaviour, habitat, unusual sightings).
4. Complete the full length; do a quick pass to confirm any unclear calls.

If unsure at species level, record the genus and add a note. You can refine IDs later.

After the field — data entry

1. Create a survey (type: FAUNA_OBSERVATION) for the site/date.
2. Attach plots observed (your transects/quadrats).
3. For each attached plot, add genera and, if available, species under each genus:
   • Genus level:
     • genus_id (taxonomy ID at rank=genus)
     • Optional count and notes
   • Species level (under a genus):
     • species_id (taxonomy ID at rank=species)
     • count
     • Optional notes
     • Optional size_classes: list of { size_class, count }

Data model mapping (what your entries become)

• Survey → SurveyCreate with type: FAUNA_OBSERVATION
• Attached plots → SurveyFaunaObservationPlotCreate items under data.plots[]
• Within each plot:
  • survey_fauna_observation_genera[] → list of genera
  • Each genus → optional species_observations[]
  • Each species observation → optional size_classes[]

Read‑side you’ll see resolved taxonomy:

• SurveyFaunaObservationDataRead → plots[]
• Each plot → survey_fauna_observation_genera[]
• Each genus → genus (resolved) and species_observations[]
• Each species observation → species (resolved) and size_classes[]

Consistency tips

• Use a fixed set of size classes across dives and seasons.
• Keep transect dimensions and method unchanged for comparability.
• If you add video, note camera path and speed for later QA.

Quick checklist

• Plots defined and consistent (transect/quadrat)
• Size class scheme agreed
• Roles assigned (observer/recorder)
• Survey created and plots attached
• Genera/species entries complete and reviewed