The MarineGEO Toolkit is a set of protocols for surveying marine habitats and communities. Our protocols provide a standardized set of measurements for characterizing the health of marine ecosystems and their associated communities. Besides measuring key ecological and biological variables, we provide best practices for site selection, layout, workflow, and data submission. Each protocol contains:

  • a PDF document that includes step-by-step methods
  • a data entry sheet to print off and bring out into the field
  • an excel workbook to use for data submission

MarineGEO follows a standard workflow for protocol development, testing, and revision. The entire workflow is detailed in the MarineGEO Protocol Development and Revision Process document. 

Select a habitat or community type below to learn more and to download protocol materials.

Diver inspect coral reef
Coral Reef Habitats
Diver taking picture of seagrass
Seagrass Habitats
Oyster Reef Transect
Oyster Reef Habitats
Staff sampling salt marsh
Salt Marsh Habitats
Fouling Panel
Fouling Communities