Turning images into numbers: The case of the Gooseneck Barnacle
RPP18: Extracting information from archived pictures for a patch dynamics study in the Asturian rocky shore
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Screen Recording 2020-06-17 at 11.56.32 AM.movKnowledge informs conservation and preservation.
Where are we in the world?
THE COUNTRY
THE REGION
THE COASTLINE
THE QUADRATS
What are we doing?
time series.mp4Turning photographs into data
Every 3 months, for 2 years, photographs were taken of the same quadrats.
We used this valuable time-series data to extract information -
Information about the processes and patterns occurring within this ecosystem.
Why are we observing this species?
The gooseneck barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes)
Commercial value
High consumer demand makes this species highly coveted by many fisherman along the Asturian coastline. Along with the market prices, the demand for goose-neck barnacle has led to its over-exploitation. As such, in order to ensure the survival of the species, we need to create effective management plans.
Biodiversity value
Organisms within an ecosystem are interdependent and interlinked. The functioning and health of the ecosystems depend upon each individual component. Removing a species from the system is likely to have knock-on effects across the entire system. These effects also effect humans, who rely on the ecosystems services provided.
Intrinsic value
The intrinsic value of a species acknowledges the inherent value that it has on its own, independent to the value of it to human beings.
How are we going to retrieve this information and use it?
In order to create measures to protect and conserve this species, we need to understand the dynamics of the system which facilitate the recruitment and development of the barnacle. This includes environmental conditions such as season as well as other species which facilitate the growth and survival of the barnacle.
SETTING THE SCENE
_Las_Llanas-T1-R2-Y2 - QGIS 2020-06-16 16-58-17.mp4Identifying and mapping current patches of the gooseneck barnacle
Using QuantumGIS to draw polygons around the gooseneck barnacle patches
From photographs to data - extract the area of each patch.
The areas can then be used to map the changes to the sizes of the patches over time.
IDENTIFYING NEW PATCHES OF THE GOOSE NECK BARNACLE
30cm x 30cm
Searching the quadrat for a new patch.
10cm x 10cm
Taking a closer look.
2cm x 2cm
New patch found!
TURNING THE "NEW PATCH" INTO DATA
By identifying what other species have been found in the exact same spot of the new patch, before the establishment of the new patch.
This can then be used to identify which species facilitate the recruitment of the barnacle.
This helps to aid in conservation and management decisions about which areas to protect.
Commonly found species:
Barnacles (Chthamalus spp.)
Mussels (Mytilus spp.)
Encrusting coralline alga (Lithophyllum tortuosum)
Crustose brown seaweed (Ralfsia verrucosa)
TRY IT YOURSELF
Identify the species
Using the pictures above, analyze the percentage cover for each species:
0 = No appeareance
1 = Slight appearance
2 = 25% cover
3 = 50% cover
4 = 75% cover
5 = 100% cover
Next step would be to enter the data into a spreadsheet - as seen below
The numbers
Through a similar procedure which you conducted during the game above, one is able to extract valuable information from images and turn the pictures into numbers.
These values will then be taken to the next step of statistical analyses, to predict which species or other factors play the biggest role in predicting the occurence of a new barnacle patch.
What do the numbers show?
That encrusting coralline algae (Lithophyllum tortuosum) seems to be important for predicting the occurrence of a new Gooseneck barnacle patch! This information will be used by managers to decide on which areas as well as species to protect in order to conserve the over-exploited Gooseneck barnacle.
The importance of the data - Project PERCEBES
The research conducted falls part of the Biodiversa project PERCEBES.
The information gathered will be used to develop tools to forecast implications of spatial management options on productivity, biodiversity and connectivity of barnacle stands
AND
to extract information to guide marine spatial planning.
The project aims through the generation of bioeconomic models, to produce "policyscapes" to optimize the conservation/exploitation trade-off.
LESSONS LEARNT
As human beings, we have a responsibility to preserve and protect our environment, and return that which we have taken.
The tool of observation and monitoring is one that is critical in our effort to protect our natural world.
There are complex, intricate and interwoven processes occurring every second.
Sometimes, we just need to stop, and we will see.
" For observing nature, the best pace is snail's pace"
- Edwin Way Teal -
A special mention to my co-worker Olive
