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NCCOS Metadata Library > NCCOS Marine Spatial Ecology Division > NCCOS Biogeography Branch > NCCOS Assessment Team >

NCCOS Assessment: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-01-09 to 2012-11-02

Data Set (DS)  |  National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)
GUID: gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:57530  |  Updated: November 30, 2023  |  Published / External 
Summary
Item Identification
Keywords
Physical Location
Data Set Info
Support Roles
Extents
Access Info
Distribution Info
URLs
Data Quality
Data Management
Lineage
Acquisition Info
Catalog Details

Summary

Browse Graphic: NCCOS

Short Citation
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 2024: NCCOS Assessment: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-01-09 to 2012-11-02, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/57530.
Full Citation Examples

DOI: PENDING

Abstract

This data compilation includes benthic and fish survey data collected in St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI); La Parguera, Guanica, Jobos Bay, and Vieques, Puerto Rico; and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) in the Gulf of Mexico. Data were collected on a biennial basis from 2001 through 2012 and in a consistent manner with established protocols by NOAA's NCCOS Biogeography Branch. In 2013, these long-term Caribbean and FGBNMS monitoring efforts merged with other monitoring programs funded by Coral Reef Conservation Program to form the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP), an ongoing program designed to monitor and assess changes in the composition of coral and reef fish communities.

Distribution Information

  • Web Service (Other)

    Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Abiotic Composition

  • Web Service (Other)

    Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Biotic Composition

  • Web Service (Other)

    Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Rapid Habitat Assessment

  • Web Service (Other)

    Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Macroinvertebrates

  • Web Service (Other)

    Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Fish Abundance

  • National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. 2019. NCCOS Data Collection: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-2012. Data Webpage.

  • Jeffrey, C., S. Hile, J. Christensen, M. Monaco, C. Caldow, K. Roberson, R. Clark, L. Bauer, S. Pittman, M. Kendall, A. Friedlander, and J. Morgan. IN PREP. NCCOS Assessment: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-01-09 to 2012-11-02 (NCEI Accession XXXXXXX). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. doi:10.25921/rt0s-ty25

Access Constraints:

None

Use Constraints:

None

Controlled Theme Keywords

BENTHIC, CORAL REEF, CORAL REEFS, FISH

Child Items

No Child Items for this record.

Contact Information

Point of Contact
Sarah Hile
sarah.hile@noaa.gov
240-533-0370

Metadata Contact
NCCOS Scientific Data Coordinator
NCCOS.data@noaa.gov

Extents

Geographic Area 1

-93.82449° W, -64.0324° E, 27.9265° N, 17.63764° S

Time Frame 1
2001-01-09 - 2012-11-02

Item Identification

Title: NCCOS Assessment: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-01-09 to 2012-11-02
Short Name: NCCOS Project: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012
Status: In Work
Creation Date: 2001
Revision Date: 2019
Publication Date: 2013
Abstract:

This data compilation includes benthic and fish survey data collected in St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (USVI); La Parguera, Guanica, Jobos Bay, and Vieques, Puerto Rico; and Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) in the Gulf of Mexico. Data were collected on a biennial basis from 2001 through 2012 and in a consistent manner with established protocols by NOAA's NCCOS Biogeography Branch. In 2013, these long-term Caribbean and FGBNMS monitoring efforts merged with other monitoring programs funded by Coral Reef Conservation Program to form the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP), an ongoing program designed to monitor and assess changes in the composition of coral and reef fish communities.
Purpose:

In the Caribbean, the target objectives were primarily to: 1) spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; and 3) use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting.

For the Gulf of Mexico, the target objectives were to: 1) design a sampling strategy that will quantify in a spatially robust manner the status of the benthic fish community; 2) carry out the initial implementation of this sampling strategy; 3) relate the data collected describing the fish communities to data concurrently collected on associated benthic composition; 4) groundtruth and collect underwater imagery and video to improve existing map products; 5) employ multiple survey techniques to sample (ROV to survey the deeper water communities, a combination of divers and technical divers, and ship-based hydroacoustics); and 6) analyze the information gathered to help guide sanctuary resource management decisions.

The projects represented in this data compilation were conducted by NOAA NCCOS Biogeography Branch in collaboration with various partners, including NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), the National Park Service, USVI Department of Natural Resources, NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, University of Puerto Rico, Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and US Department of Agriculture, Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research, NOAA’s Center for Coastal Environment and Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR), and NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research and Technology (CIORET).

NCRMP is funded by the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program and supported by NCCOS and many other partners.
Supplemental Information:

Partners:

• US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)

• US DOI; National Park Service (NPS); South Florida/Caribbean Network

• US DOI; US Geological Survey (USGS)

• US DOI; National Park Service (NPS)

• US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR)

• Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER)

• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

• University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Funding:

• US DOC; NOAA; NOS; National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)

• US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP)

• US DOI; National Park Service (NPS)
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): PENDING

Keywords

Theme Keywords

Thesaurus Keyword
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > FISH
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > REEF > CORAL REEF
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
EARTH SCIENCE > SOLID EARTH > GEOMORPHIC LANDFORMS/PROCESSES > COASTAL LANDFORMS > CORAL REEFS
UNCONTROLLED
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords DOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS > National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Data Type > Field Observation
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Data Type > Long-term Monitoring
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Priority > Marine Spatial Ecology
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Topic > Ecological and Biogeographic Assessments
NODC Platform Names Thesaurus M/V Manta
NODC Platform Names Thesaurus NOAA Ship Nancy Foster
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM)
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR)
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus St. Croix East End Marine Park (EEMP)
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus St. Thomas East End Reserve (STEER)
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Virgin Islands National Coral Reef Monument (VICR)
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Virgin Islands National Park (VIIS)

Spatial Keywords

Thesaurus Keyword
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > CARIBBEAN SEA > PUERTO RICO
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > CARIBBEAN SEA > VIRGIN ISLANDS
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF MEXICO
UNCONTROLLED
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Location > Region > Caribbean Sea
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Location > Region > Gulf of Mexico
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Location > U.S. States and Territories > Puerto Rico
NCCOS Keywords NCCOS Research Location > U.S. States and Territories > U.S. Virgin Islands
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Caribbean Sea
NODC Sea Area Names Thesaurus Coastal Ocean

Physical Location

Organization: National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
City: Silver Spring
State/Province: MD

Data Set Information

Data Set Scope Code: Data Set
Data Presentation Form: Table (digital)

Support Roles

Data Steward

CC ID: 874376
Date Effective From: 2019
Date Effective To:
Contact (Position): NCCOS Scientific Data Coordinator
Email Address: NCCOS.data@noaa.gov

Distributor

CC ID: 874379
Date Effective From: 2019
Date Effective To:
Contact (Organization): National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS)
Address: Building 1021, Suite 1003
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529
Phone: (228) 688-2936

Distributor

CC ID: 874380
Date Effective From: 2003
Date Effective To:
Contact (Organization): National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)
Address: 1305 East West Highway, Rm 8110
Silver Spring, MD 20910
URL: http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/
Contact Instructions:

nccos.data@noaa.gov

Metadata Contact

CC ID: 874377
Date Effective From: 2019
Date Effective To:
Contact (Position): NCCOS Scientific Data Coordinator
Email Address: NCCOS.data@noaa.gov

Point of Contact

CC ID: 874375
Date Effective From: 2019
Date Effective To:
Contact (Person): Hile, Sarah
Address: 1305 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Email Address: sarah.hile@noaa.gov
Phone: 240-533-0370
Fax: 301-713-4384
Contact Instructions:

Point of Contact:

• Sarah Hile, sarah.hile@noaa.gov, NCCOS

• NCCOS Data Manager, nccos.data@noaa.gov, NCCOS

Principal Investigator

CC ID: 874378
Date Effective From: 2019
Date Effective To:
Contact (Person): Jeffrey, Chris
Email Address: chris.jeffrey@noaa.gov
Contact Instructions:

Principal Investigator:

• Chris Jeffrey, chris.jeffrey@noaa.gov, US DOC; NOAA; NOS; National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)

Additional Principal Investigators:

• John Christensen, NCCOS

• Mark Monaco, NCCOS

• Chris Caldow, US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS)

• Kimberly Roberson, US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS)

• Randy Clark, NCCOS

Collaborators:

• Alan Friedlander, University of Hawaii at Manoa

• Tom McGrath, NCCOS

• Jeff Miller, US DOI; National Park Service (NPS); South Florida/Caribbean Network

• Caroline Rogers, US DOI; US Geological Survey (USGS)

• Zandy Hillis Starr, US DOI; National Park Service (NPS)

• Richard Appeldoorn, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

• Emma Hickerson, US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Office of National Marine Sanctuaries; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)

• Laurie Bauer, NCCOS

• Simon Pittman, NCCOS

• Matt Kendall, NCCOS

• Jessica Morgan, NCCOS

Extents

Extent Group 1

Extent Group 1 / Geographic Area 1

CC ID: 874420
W° Bound: -93.82449
E° Bound: -64.0324
N° Bound: 27.9265
S° Bound: 17.63764

Extent Group 1 / Time Frame 1

CC ID: 874419
Time Frame Type: Range
Start: 2001-01-09
End: 2012-11-02

Access Information

Security Class: Unclassified
Data Access Procedure:

Download from website
Data Access Constraints:

None
Data Use Constraints:

None

Distribution Information

Distribution 1

CC ID: 874384
Start Date: 2019
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://ecowatch.ncddc.noaa.gov/erddap/tabledap/nccos_coralreefmon01_abiotic.html
Distributor: National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS) (2019 - Present)
File Name: Biogeographic Survey Data ERDDAP - Abiotic Composition
Description:

Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Abiotic Composition
File Type (Deprecated): NCEI Web Service
Distribution Format: Web Service (Other)

Distribution 2

CC ID: 877783
Start Date: 2019
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://ecowatch.ncddc.noaa.gov/erddap/tabledap/nccos_coralreefmon02_biotic.html
Distributor: National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS) (2019 - Present)
File Name: Biogeographic Survey Data ERDDAP - Biotic Composition
Description:

Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Biotic Composition
File Type (Deprecated): NCEI Web Service
Distribution Format: Web Service (Other)

Distribution 3

CC ID: 877784
Start Date: 2019
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://ecowatch.ncddc.noaa.gov/erddap/tabledap/nccos_coralreefmon03_rapidhabitatassesment.html
Distributor: National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS) (2019 - Present)
File Name: Biogeographic Survey Data ERDDAP - Rapid Habitat Assessment
Description:

Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Rapid Habitat Assessment
File Type (Deprecated): NCEI Web Service
Distribution Format: Web Service (Other)

Distribution 4

CC ID: 877785
Start Date: 2019
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://ecowatch.ncddc.noaa.gov/erddap/tabledap/nccos_coralreefmon04_macroinverts.html
Distributor: National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS) (2019 - Present)
File Name: Biogeographic Survey Data ERDDAP - Macroinvertebrates
Description:

Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Macroinvertebrates
File Type (Deprecated): NCEI Web Service
Distribution Format: Web Service (Other)

Distribution 5

CC ID: 877786
Start Date: 2019
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://ecowatch.ncddc.noaa.gov/erddap/tabledap/nccos_coralreefmon05_fish.html
Distributor: National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS) (2019 - Present)
File Name: Biogeographic Survey Data ERDDAP - Fish Abundance
Description:

Query and Download Data ERDDAP Web Service: NCCOS Surveys: Coral Reef Monitoring 2001-2012 - Fish Abundance
File Type (Deprecated): NCEI Web Service
Distribution Format: Web Service (Other)

Distribution 6

CC ID: 874383
Start Date: 2019
End Date: Present
Download URL: https://products.coastalscience.noaa.gov/collections/biogeo/benthic-fish-surveys-caribbean-gulf-of-mexico-2001-2012/
Distributor: National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) (2003 - Present)
File Name: NCCOS Data Webpage
Description:

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. 2019. NCCOS Data Collection: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-2012. Data Webpage.

File Type (Deprecated): NCCOS Web Page

Distribution 7

CC ID: 874381
Start Date: 2001-01-09
End Date: 2012-11-02
Download URL: https://doi.org/10.25921/rt0s-ty25
Distributor: National Centers for Environmental Information - Stennis Space Center, Mississippi (NCEI-MS) (2019 - Present)
File Name: Biogeographic Survey Data
Description:

Jeffrey, C., S. Hile, J. Christensen, M. Monaco, C. Caldow, K. Roberson, R. Clark, L. Bauer, S. Pittman, M. Kendall, A. Friedlander, and J. Morgan. IN PREP. NCCOS Assessment: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-01-09 to 2012-11-02 (NCEI Accession XXXXXXX). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. doi:10.25921/rt0s-ty25
File Type (Deprecated): NCEI Data Archive Accession

URLs

URL 1

CC ID: 874385
URL: https://cdn.coastalscience.noaa.gov/csmedia/2017/09/NCCOS-with-tag-to-side-wht-bld.png
Name: Browse Graphic: NCCOS
URL Type:
Browse Graphic
Browse Graphic: NCCOS
Description:

Browse Graphic: NCCOS

URL 2

CC ID: 874386
URL: https://products.coastalscience.noaa.gov/collections/biogeo/benthic-fish-surveys-caribbean-gulf-of-mexico-2001-2012/
Name: NCCOS Data Collection Webpage: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-2012
URL Type:
Online Resource
Description:

NCCOS Data Collection Webpage: Biogeographic Surveys of Benthic and Fish Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico from 2001-2012

Data Quality

Completeness Report:

Datasets from 10 projects are compiled here. For details, see Distribution Information.
Quality Control Procedures Employed:

For details of data quality control methods, see Lineage Sources. All users should independently analyze the datasets according to their own needs and standards to determine data usability.

Data Management

Have Resources for Management of these Data Been Identified?: No
Approximate Percentage of Budget for these Data Devoted to Data Management: Unknown
Do these Data Comply with the Data Access Directive?: Yes
Is Access to the Data Limited Based on an Approved Waiver?: No
Approximate Delay Between Data Collection and Dissemination: Four years
Actual or Planned Long-Term Data Archive Location: NCEI-MS
Approximate Delay Between Data Collection and Archiving: Four years
How Will the Data Be Protected from Accidental or Malicious Modification or Deletion Prior to Receipt by the Archive?:

NCCOS IT Policy

Lineage

Sources

01. Hile, S.D., C.F.G. Jeffrey, C. Caldow, J.D. Christensen, M.E. Monaco, and J.A. Morgan. 2019. Protocols for Characterizing Fish and Associated Benthic Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico: 2001-2012. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 256. Silver Spring, MD. XX pp. https://doi.org/10.25923/z3yt-sh37

CC ID: 877787
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.25923/z3yt-sh37

02. Menza, C., J. Ault, J. Beets, J. Bohnsack, C. Caldow, J. Christensen, A. Friedlander, C. Jeffrey, M. Kendall, J. Luo, M. Monaco, S. Smith, and K. Woody. 2006. A guide to monitoring reef fish in the National Park Service’s South Florida/Caribbean Network. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 39. Silver Spring, MD. 169 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/9287

CC ID: 877788
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/9287

03. Christensen, J.D., C. Jeffrey, M.E. Monaco, C. Caldow, M.S. Kendall, and R.S. Appledoorn. 2003. Cross-shelf habitat utilization patterns of reef fishes in southwestern Puerto Rico. Gulf and Caribbean Research, 14:9-27. https://doi.org/10.18785/gcr.1402.02

CC ID: 877789
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.18785/gcr.1402.02

04. Clark, R., C.F.G. Jeffrey, K. Woody, Z. Hillis-Starr, and M. Monaco. 2009. Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Coral Bleaching Around Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Bulletin of Marine Science, 84(2):167-182. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/2009/00000084/00000002/art00003

CC ID: 877790
Citation URL: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/2009/00000084/00000002/art00003

05. Dorfman, D.S., S.J. Pittman, S.D. Hile, A. Clarke, C.F.G. Jeffrey, and C. Caldow. 2014. Chapter 10: Linking Landscape Condition Impacts to Coral Reef Ecosystem Composition for the East End of St. Croix. In: D.Wright (ed.). Ocean Solutions, Earth Solutions. Esri Press. http://www.doi.org/10.17128/9781589484603

CC ID: 877791
Citation URL: http://www.doi.org/10.17128/9781589484603

06. Kendall, M.S., J.D. Christensen, and Z. Hillis-Starr. 2003. Multi-scale data used to analyze the spatial distribution of French grunts, Haemulon flavolineatum, relative to hard and soft bottom in a benthic landscape. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 66:19-26. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023255022513

CC ID: 877792
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023255022513

07. Kendall, M.S., J.D. Christensen, C. Caldow, M. Coyne, C. Jeffrey, M. Monaco, W. Morrison, and Z. Hillis-Starr. 2004. The influence of bottom type and shelf position on biodiversity of tropical fish inside a recently enlarged marine reserve. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 14:113-132. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.601

CC ID: 877793
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.601

08. Monaco, M.E., A.M. Friedlander, C. Caldow, J.D. Christensen, C. Rogers, J. Beets, J. Miller, and R. Boulon. 2007. Characterizing Reef Fish Populations and Habitats within and Outside the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument: A Lesson in MPA Design. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 2007(14):33-40. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2400.2006.00521.x

CC ID: 877794
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2400.2006.00521.x

09. Pittman, S.J., C. Caldow, S.D. Hile, and M.E. Monaco. 2007a. Using seascape structure to explain the spatial patterns of juvenile fish in Caribbean mangroves. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 348:273-284. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07052

CC ID: 877795
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07052

10. Pittman S.J., J. Christensen, C. Caldow, C. Menza, and M.E. Monaco. 2007b. Predictive mapping of fish species richness across shallow-water seascapes of the U.S. Caribbean. Ecological Modelling, 204:9-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.12.017

CC ID: 877796
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2006.12.017

11. Friedlander, A.M., C.F.G. Jeffrey, S.D. Hile, S.J. Pittman, M.E. Monaco, and C. Caldow. 2013. Coral reef ecosystems of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Spatial and temporal patterns in fish and benthic communities (2001-2009). NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 152. Silver Spring, MD. 150 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/789

CC ID: 877797
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/789

12. Pittman, S.J., S.D. Hile, C.F.G. Jeffrey, R. Clark, K. Woody, B.D. Herlach, C. Caldow, M.E. Monaco, and R. Appeldoorn. 2010. Coral reef ecosystems of Reserva Natural La Parguera (Puerto Rico): Spatial and temporal patterns in fish and benthic communities (2001-2007). NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 107. Silver Spring, MD. 202 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/566

CC ID: 877798
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/566

13. Pittman, S.J., S.D. Hile, C.F.G. Jeffrey, C. Caldow, M.S. Kendall, M.E. Monaco, and Z. Hillis-Starr. 2008. Fish assemblages and benthic habitats of Buck Island Reef National Monument (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) and the surrounding seascape: A characterization of spatial and temporal patterns. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 71. Silver Spring, MD. 96 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/493

CC ID: 877799
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/493

14. Pittman, S.J., D.S. Dorfman, S.D. Hile, C.F.G. Jeffrey, M.A. Edwards, and C. Caldow. 2013. Land-Sea Characterization of the St. Croix East End Marine Park, U.S. Virgin Islands. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 170. Silver Spring, MD. 119 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/792

CC ID: 877800
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/792

15. Friedlander, A.M., M.E. Monaco, R. Clark, S.J. Pittman, J. Beets, R. Boulon, R. Callender, J. Christensen, S.D. Hile, M.S. Kendall, J. Miller, C. Rogers, K. Stamoulis, L. Wedding, and K. Roberson. 2013. Fish Movement Patterns in Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and Adjacent Waters. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 172. Silver Spring, MD. 102 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/791

CC ID: 877801
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/791

16. Pittman, S.J., L. Bauer, S.D. Hile, C.F.G. Jeffrey, E. Davenport, and C. Caldow. 2014. Marine protected areas of the US Virgin Islands: Ecological Performance Report. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 187. Silver Spring, MD. 89 pp. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/880

CC ID: 877802
Citation URL: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/880

17. Pittman, S.J., C.F.G. Jeffrey, C. Menza, G. Kågesten, A. Orthmeyer, D.S. Dorfman, D. Mateos-Molina, A. Mabrouk, S.D. Hile, V. Ransibrahmanakul, and A. Ramos Álvarez. 2017. Mapping Ecological Priorities and Human Impacts to Support Land-Sea Management of Puerto Rico’s Northeast Marine Corridor. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 218. Silver Spring, MD. 71 pp. https://doi.org/10.7289/V5/TM-NOS-NCCOS-218

CC ID: 877803
Citation URL: https://doi.org/10.7289/V5/TM-NOS-NCCOS-218

Process Steps

Process Step 1

CC ID: 874417
Description:

We collected data on fish and benthic composition information across all nearshore habitat types. Sites were randomly selected and stratified by habitat types, and later location, using NOAA's benthic habitat maps of US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Flower Garden Banks. Specific fish data included the abundance (counts) and size information of fish species at the lowest possible taxonomic level whereas benthic composition data included percent cover, relative abundance, size, and composition of benthic communities. At each site, fish and benthic divers were deployed, and they maintained contact with each other throughout the entire dive. One diver utilized the belt-transect visual census technique to collect data on the fish communities over an area of 100m2 (25m length X 4m width), while the other diver used quadrats to estimate benthic composition over the same area.

Benthic composition methods used (methodology varied by project): Two different benthic composition methods were used to collect these data sets. All projects/locations used a fine-scale (quadrat level) benthic composition methodology; in addition, a modified habitat survey - the Rapid Habitat Assessment (RHA) - was used in St. John, USVI at specific locations. For detailed descriptions of methodologies, see Hile et al. (2019).

The habitat diver placed a 1m2 quadrat divided into 100 (10 x 10cm) smaller squares (1 square equals 1 percent cover) at five separate positions in the Caribbean survey locations, and four in the Gulf of Mexico locations (FGB). Each quadrat position was randomly chosen before entering the water such that there was one random point within every 5m (Caribbean) or 6m (FGB), intervals along the transect. Percent cover was obtained as if looking at the quadrat in a two dimensional plane (i.e., a photograph) vs. three dimensions where percent cover could have added up to greater than 100%. Brief descriptions of information collected are listed below. For detailed information on the benthic methods, see Hile et al. (2019).

Data were collected on the following:

1. Logistic information

2. Habitat structure

3. Proximity of structure (if softbottom site)

4. Transect depth profile (depth at each quadrat position)

5. Abiotic footprint within each quadrat position

6. Biotic footprint within each quadrat position

7. Coral (live, bleaching, diseased/dead)

8. Maximum canopy height for soft biota at the quadrat level

9. Number of individuals for sponges, gorgonians and "other" biota type (non-encrusting anemones and hydroids) at the quadrat level

10. Rugosity

11. Abundance and maturity of queen conch (Strombus gigas) within the 25 x 4m belt transect

12. Abundance of spiny lobsters (Panilaurus argus) within the 25 x 4m belt transect

13. Abundance of long-spined urchin (Diadema antillarum) within the 25 x 4m belt transect

Although the 1m-square-quadrat remained the basic method of choice for habitat data collection, overtime, changes in data collection methods were made for some habitat variables, and several additional variables were added. These changes were deemed necessary to capture more precise information and as many variables as possible to explain better the observed variability in reef fish assemblage metrics.

Fish sampling methods: Belt-transect method for all projects: The transect took 15 minutes regardless of habitat type or number of animals present. This allowed more mobile animals the opportunity to swim through the transect, and standardized the time during which samples were collected to allow for comparisons. As soon as the belt transect diver passed the 5m mark, the point-count and habitat divers began their work. For detailed information on the fish methods, see Hile et al. (2019).

Fish data were collected on the following:

1. Logistic information

2. Taxa presence

3. Abundance and size

4. Photos
Process Contact: Hile, Sarah
Phone (Voice): 240-533-0370
Email Address: sarah.hile@noaa.gov
Source: 01. Hile, S.D., C.F.G. Jeffrey, C. Caldow, J.D. Christensen, M.E. Monaco, and J.A. Morgan. 2019. Protocols for Characterizing Fish and Associated Benthic Communities in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico: 2001-2012. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 256. Silver Spring, MD. XX pp. https://doi.org/10.25923/z3yt-sh37

Acquisition Information

Instruments

Instrument Unavailable Reason: Not Applicable

Platforms

Platform Unavailable Reason: Not Applicable

Catalog Details

Catalog Item ID: 57530
GUID: gov.noaa.nmfs.inport:57530
Metadata Record Created By: Jessica Morgan
Metadata Record Created: 2019-09-17 13:41+0000
Metadata Record Last Modified By: SysAdmin InPortAdmin
Metadata Record Last Modified: 2023-11-30 18:11+0000
Metadata Record Published: 2019-09-20
Owner Org: NCCOS
Metadata Publication Status: Published Externally
Do Not Publish?: N
Metadata Last Review Date: 2019-09-20
Metadata Review Frequency: 1 Year
Metadata Next Review Date: 2020-09-20