Survey of Chek Jawa (22 Aug 01)

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Summary of Survey links are to diagrams of the aspect discussed

1. Aim a) To collect valuable data on the biotic and abiotic elements that make Chek Jawa habitat a viable and dynamic ecosystem for future reference in the face of impending destruction through reclamation. b) To contribute to the understanding of sandflat, its formation and structure, function, dynamics, and uniqueness as a habitat for its inhabitants. 2. Objectives & Methods a) To collect data on types of micro-habitats, organisms (communities and distributions) on a horizontal profile running along six determined transect lines in the east-west direction, from the outer sandbar to the tree-lined coast. Percentage coverage of the flora and fauna to be recorded and photographic records will be taken of the plot and its content. A Field Guide Booklet will be used to speed up identification of the more common flora and fauna. Structured sampling method is being employed. b) To determine the diversity of the organisms (communities and distributions) in the vertical profile of the sub-surface strata using a quarter of the 1m x 1m sampling plot, and sieving the organisms out through a 2mm-gauge wire-mesh pan. All organisms are to be collected and kept as zoological reference. Photographic records will be taken. 3. Procedure of transect line sampling 3.1. Set up transect lines a) Establish the first transect point on the shore and lining another one up in the sea to east-west direction. b) Using line of sight, establish the rest of the transect points; the last one to be located on the outer edge of the sandbar. Remarks: Use GPS to fix the location of the first and last transect points. Each transect line is colour coded and bears a flag and transect number, namely T1 to T6. 3.2. Select plot along transect line a) Start from the transect point at the outer edge of the sandbar. Work towards the shore in the westerly direction. b) Chose sampling plots from these locations --- shore, water edge, inner pools, common undulating dunes, outer pools, inner edge of sandbar, outer edge of sandbar and sporadic habitats of distinct colonies. Maintain line of sight with transect points. c) At each selected plot, lay down the 1m x 1m frame and label plot with waterproofed tag. Take a photo of the plot first. Estimate percentage coverage using a chart provided. Analyse contents of plot and it percentage composition. Chose one quarter of the plot for digging and sieving. Depth of excavation --- 20cm. Photos to be taken of of the organisms before being packaged for preservation. d) Walk along the transect to find another distinct plot to sample. Remarks: Disturb as little as possible without churning up the sand more than necessary. Respect the creatures living there and avoid stepping on any of them. 4. Transect Team The team should comprise a) Team Leader cum collector: To identify suitable distinct habitats for sampling and to analyse plot. b) Assistant to team leader: To assist in analysing and collecting. c) Recorder cum photographer: To record analysis from leader and photograph content of plot. d) Preservation member: To note down plot number and bag content systematically for preservation. Remarks: All members to help carry equipment. Important for Recorder to keep his hands clean. 5. Safety Precautions Personal safety must be observed. No walking on bare foot. Must use rubber gloves at all times. 6. Equipment all equipment will be provided (except cameras, photographers pls provide own and bring lenses to take 1m x 1m plot plus close-ups of specimens) a) Bamboo poles b) Waterproofed plot labels / tags c) Plot frames d) Thongs and pincers e) 2mm-gauge size sieve f) Waterproofed pen g) Fish net h) Surgical rubber gloves i) Ruler j) Plastic bags k) Shovel l) Clipboard m) Coloured flags n) Small pail o) Camera and film (film will be provided) p) first aid kit 7. Proforma form see attached 8 Preservation of Animal and Plant Specimens 8.1. Accidental spillage of preservatives may cause injuries to volunteers and pollution to the environment. As such, all preservation works on animals are to be done at the temporary base camp set up on land. A group of students and volunteers will be assigned to man this base camp for this specific purpose. 8.2. Plants specimens will be made in the base camp by another group. See Mounting Technique for marine plants. 8.3. Voucher specimens of animals and plants will be permanently lodged with the Raffles Biodiversity Museum for Research and the National University of Singapore Herbarium respectively.