monitoring and interpretation of data on a global scale require a standardized approach. since there are so many locations that require sampling, the specific sampling plan needs to be both general and simple. simplifying the research question is one way to keep sampling simpler. we have stressed the value of stratified sampling along permanent transects, which does just this. sampling plans to investigate specific impacts can be more intense, detailed and cover a variety of scales and approaches. we have presented a particular series of sampling designs to show, in a logical sequence, the evolution of designs to detect the effect of disturbance on a marine community. the confounding influences of change in distributions of organisms in space and time reduced the ability of before-after and control-impact designs to clearly demonstrate a disturbance had occurred. a clear, logical exposition of these confounding factors and underlying assumptions then led to the more complex before-after -control-impact designs, and have culminated in designs that can address different types of variability and disturbance (beyond BACI and BACIR designs). sampling issues and designs are presented to demonstrate the care that needs to be taken from the time a seagrass researcher states the research question to the implementation of sampling.