Functional traits as indicators of ecological integrity
This research reviewed the concept of functional traits (which considers the role of an organism in an ecosystem) as indicators of ecological integrity, then used this approach to analyse underwater video imagery from Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti. Published 2014.

Download the publication

Factsheet: Coastal ecosystem monitoring - the big picture (PDF, 13,050K)

Report: Functional traits as indicators of ecological integrity (PDF, 821K)

Summary

Ecological integrity measures ecosystem health by considering how native, pristine, diverse and resilient it is. This work supports the development of tools for assessing the ecological integrity of coastal subtidal marine habitats, including methods and indices to facilitate monitoring and reporting. The objective of the project was to provide a comprehensive review of the concept of functional traits and then to develop a traits-based functional approach to the analysis of video imagery. 

Functional traits that could be determined from video were derived from international literature and tested using video data collected in Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti, Stewart Island/Rakiura. Six broad functional categories were used (living position, growth form, body flexibility, mobility, feeding mode, and size; these represent traits that are important for vulnerability, resilience, recovery as well as aspects of ecosystem functioning).

The categories are broad enough to accommodate functional traits of species living in additional physical habitats (e.g., intertidal, deep sea) that would be encountered during future surveys in New Zealand.