Monitoring Of Rocky-Bottom Biotopes In Northern Norway And Svalbard Using Image Analysis

No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.

Temporal variations and succession of a macrobenthic community from rocky bottom localities on Svalbard and Northern Norway are investigated by analysis of long time series of photographs of permanently marked underwater areas. This photographic monitoring represent the longest time-series of rocky bottom biota from these areas, with pictures taken annually (July-September) from 1977. Underwater photography is a useful non-destructive method for obtaining information of conspicuous epifaunal organisms. Photographs of permanently marked areas over long time-periods give the opportunity to study population dynamics (settlement, age, mortality), individual growth, productivity, competition for space, predation and community succession.