Green2009-herbivore monitoring

Monitoring Functional Groups of Herbivorous Reef Fishes
• Identifying key functional groups to monitor: This is the first attempt to identify functional
groups of herbivores for monitoring coral reef resilience, and these categories may require
refinement over time. For example, as the science develops, it may become apparent that
other groups also play a critical role in coral reef resilience, and need to be included in this
protocol. In particular, it will be important to identify and include other groups or species that
may play an important role in reversing coral-algal phase shifts.
• Assigning species to each functional group: Detailed dietary information is not available for
many species of herbivores. In this protocol, species were assigned to functional groups
based on best available information in the scientific literature and expert opinion. However,
this may need to be refined as more dietary information becomes available.
• Further research at multiples scales is also required to aid in the interpretation of results (see
Interpreting Results). In particular, more information is required regarding natural patterns of
distribution and abundance of herbivores in a range of biogeographic and geographic areas.
While these methods have been field tested in a range of situations, refinements may also be required
at each site based on local conditions, fish abundances, the objectives of the monitoring program, and
the technical expertise of the monitoring team. Where possible, modifications have been suggested to
accommodate these changes (see Table 2, Monitoring Methods and Simplifying the Protocol).
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