Congratulations to Ecofish Statistician Paul van Dam-Bates on his recent publication in Methods in Ecology and Evolution! The methodology derived from, “Using balanced acceptance sampling as a master sample for environmental surveys,” has been instrumental to Ecofish monitoring programs.
Abstract
1. Well-designed environmental monitoring programmes for management organisations
are important for evidence-based decision making. However, many environmental
problems are not single agency issues that require intervention or
monitoring at one spatial scale. A master sample can be used to coordinate and
scale monitoring designs to ensure consistency in information gathered and
robustness of estimators at the different spatial scales.
2. We propose using balanced acceptance sampling (BAS) to generate a master
sample. In this context, practical applications and justification of BAS as a master
sample are addressed. These include sample generation, stratification, unequal
probability sampling,rotating panel designs, and regional intensification. A method
for incorporating legacy sites is also provided.
3. Using BAS as a master sample is conceptually simple, gives good spatial balance
over different spatial scales, and is computationally efficient to generate. An
example for terrestrial biodiversity monitoring in New Zealand is provided.
4. Environmental monitoring can benefit from increased coordination between
agencies. A master sample is an excellent way to incorporate coordination directly
into the sample design. BAS improves on methods previously described and
provides an effective method to monitor populations at multiple spatial scales.
To view the full publication, visit: https://www.ecofishresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Dam-Bates_et_al-2017-Methods_in_Ecology_and_Evolution.pdf