Sampling protocol for monitoring marine biodiversity on rocky shores

Rocky shores are ecologically important and culturally significant habitats along the coasts of the Americas. Monitoring these areas is essential to detect biodiversity changes and guide conservation and management strategies. This protocol offers a simple, standardized, and low-cost methodology for monitoring sessile invertebrates and macroalgae in rocky intertidal zones using photo-quadrats, enabling repeatable and non-extractive sampling. It builds on four key pillars: standardized image collection, collaborative monitoring networks, AI-assisted data analysis, and the delivery of rapid, accessible results for decision-making. Developed by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole to Pole (MBON Pole to Pole), this guide reflects co-design efforts from workshops held in Argentina in 2023 (Camarones), 2024 (Ushuaia), and 2025 (Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides). It supports the generation of comparable biodiversity data across regions and contributes to global efforts such as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: “Life Below Water.” This methodological manual is intended as a practical tool for park rangers, scientists, and communities working to protect coastal biodiversity