Rapid Assessment Method 1 (RAM-1): Quadrat method for percentage cover
of a site by filamentous green/brown algae for assessing compliance with
aesthetic/recreational guidelines for proliferations
This method involves setting up transects across a site and recording the percentage cover of
filamentous algae > 3 cm in length for a given number of quadrat points. Percentage cover
values for the individual points are then averaged to obtain an estimate of the average cover
of the site by filamentous green/brown algae. These individual records can also be used to
later construct a map of the distribution of filamentous algae and, if repeated sampling is
performed, then changes in the distribution of mats or patches of these algae can be traced
over time. Such analyses, if combined with some physical measurements (e.g., shading, water
velocities, depths and/or substrate composition), can provide useful insights into the primary
factors controlling the local development of proliferations.