Precision and interpretation of data collected using a new measurement technique for microhabitat features at fish locations determined by radio telemetry
Mr. Dare et Wa. Hubert, Precision and interpretation of data collected using a new measurement technique for microhabitat features at fish locations determined by radio telemetry, J FRESHW EC, 15(1), 2000, pp. 29-38
We developed a microhabitat sampling methodology for investigating fish hab
itat use by radio telemetry. The technique is based on the concept of an ar
ea of probable occurrence (APO; a circular confidence interval around an es
timated fish location) with measurements of depth, velocity, substrate, and
cover features to describe the habitat in the vicinity of a fish's locatio
n. We conducted a test of precision and observer agreement of data obtained
by this technique and found that the statistical precision of data varied
among habitat variables and was low for features that were visually estimat
ed. However, when data were interpreted within the context of several biolo
gically relevant research questions, observer agreement was high indicating
that the data led to consistent conclusions regarding microhabitat feature
s within an APO.