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Online Ringtests

Accurate identification of animals and plants is an essential component of marine surveys. Surveys that contribute to statutory monitoring programmes such as those required by the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive must be quality assured to give a high level of confidence in the results, particularly where complex and expensive management actions may be necessary if unfavourable conditions are identified. Many marine monitoring techniques require the taxonomic identification of the species present and therefore there is now a need to establish quality control standards for epibiota (surface dwelling species). Furthermore, many techniques use imaging systems (photographs or video) and species must be identified from images.

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Epibiota Ringtest

JNCC and the National Marine Biological Analytical Quality Control (NMBAQC) scheme collaborated to devise an epibiota photographic identification test delivered via the internet. This test aims to develop quality assurance procedures to ensure that epibiota identification data recorded for statutory monitoring programmes are of a uniform high standard. JNCC hope this collaboration will make a valuable contribution to the Common Standards for Monitoring programme for marine protected sites.

The original epibiota ring test was a collection of scanned images covering a wide taxonomic range of epibiota including both flora and fauna, which was sent to organisations and individuals involved with marine surveys for identification. It was positively received and there was strong support for establishing regular epibiota ring tests to complement the NMBAQC scheme's standard infaunal ring tests. JNCC and the NMBAQC scheme committee decided to continue with photographic identification tests but to deliver them over the internet to reach a wider audience.

The test a collection of images covering a wide taxonomic range of epibiota, including both flora and fauna, occurring in UK waters. It includes both common, widespread species and rarely encountered species. It offers an opportunity to test your skill in identifying species from photographs. On completion of the test, additional information is provided on the recorded distribution and any conservation status of each species from the National Biodiversity Network. Previous tests are also available so the site will provide a valuable reference source over time.