We developed a sampling methodology using a 24-m(2) lift net to quanti
tatively sample intertidal oyster reefs as a part of a long-term study
of their functional ecology. The method involved surrounding an area
of oyster reef with a buried net at low tide, allowing the water level
to rise, raising the net at high tide to trap motile organisms, allow
ing the water to recede, and collecting the entrapped nekton. Natural
and artificially constructed reefs were sampled, and efficiency (mark-
recapture) studies were performed to evaluate the method. The advantag
es of this method are: (1) the habitat in the area to be sampled recei
ves minimal damage; (2) the size and shape of the net system are flexi
ble and can be adapted to fit a variety of habitats; (3) no permanent
structures, other than a shallow perimeter trench, are present to act
as attractants; and (4) it is relatively inexpensive to purchase and m
aintain gear. One disadvantage to the method is that it is very labor
intensive, typically using three to five people. This method proved mo
re efficient on natural reefs than artificial reefs, and the return ra
te was slightly better for Fundulus heteroclitus than for Palaemonetes
spp. Seventeen decapod and 24 fish taxa were collected from initial s
pring, summer, and fall 1995 sampling.