To assess community structure, first each 1 square meter  is first examined by moving grass around to scan the substrate for mussels, crab burrows, amphipod burrows, and Littorina littorea snails. Researchers then estimates the percent live cover of a variety of plant species, checking against a standard list of species. Species not on the list are also recorded, and, if unknown, for identification in the lab after sampling. Each species has its cover recorded individually, which could lead to greater than 100% cover. Percent cover of bare space, detritus, and wrack are also recorded. Last, Melampus bidentata snails are recorded in 10 cm x 10 cm at each corner of the quadrat.