Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

2014 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0244997)

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This dataset contains raw and processed data from an annual long-term monitoring study that documents the benthic and fish community changes at Stetson Bank, in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Stetson Bank is an uplifted claystone/siltstone feature, located 75 nautical miles from Galveston, TX in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, that supports a well-developed benthic community of scleractinian coral and tropical marine sponges. Due to a wide range of temperatures and variable light availability, Stetson Bank has marginal environmental conditions for coral reef development and growth. The fish community is similar to other Caribbean reefs but has comparatively lower diversity.

Monitoring has occurred on the bank crest (17-34 m) of the site since 1993. Bank crest monitoring includes random transect and repetitive photostation photographs of the benthos to estimate percent cover of major taxonomic groups (e.g., coral, sponge, algae). Benthic photographs are analyzed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) and output into Microsoft Excel worksheets. These data are analyzed for temporal community changes in Primer. Fish census surveys are conducted annually using a modified Bohnsack and Bannerot stationary method, both at random and repetitive sites. Fish data are recorded in Microsoft Excel worksheets. Primer software is used to identify any temporal shifts that occur in the fish community. Water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, turbidity, nutrients) are measured with moored conductivity temperature depth (CTD) instruments and quarterly profiles of the water column are performed. Temperature and salinity data are reduced to report daily averages.

The bank crest benthic community at Stetson Bank has undergone several significant shifts, changing from a habitat predominated by hydrocoral and sponges to one of macroalgae and sponges. The fish community on the bank crest has varied annually. Exotic fish species are present at the bank, including lionfish (Pterois volitans/P. miles) and regal demoiselle (Neopomacentrus cyanomos). Fluctuations in oceanic conditions, macroalgae cover, and continued annual variation in fish communities were documented.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2022). 2014 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0244997). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Unpublished Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0244997. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0244997

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Other Access	Descriptive Information (offlineAccess) Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page. HTTPS (offlineAccess) Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (offlineAccess) Users may contact NCEI for more information and to request access to the archived data. User requests must be approved by NCEI and are subject to order fulfillment constraints.
Distribution Formats	Originator data format
Ordering Instructions	Data in this archival information package are not currently available for public download from NCEI. Please contact NCEI directly for access to these data.
Distributor	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov

Time Period	2014-01-01 to 2014-12-31
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -94.3 East: -94.28 South: 28.15 North: 28.16
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation	NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.
Associated Resources	Long-term monitoring at Stetson Bank, Flower Garden Bank National Marine Sanctuary, 2013 Annual Report.

Publication Dates	publication: 2022-01-07
Data Presentation Form	Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status	Pending - committed to, but not yet addressed
Data Update Frequency	As needed
Supplemental Information	Submission Package ID: B49906
Purpose	Since 1995, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, has monitored the health of the reefs at Stetson Bank. The monitoring effort is designed to assess the health of the reefs through the evaluation of changes in living coral and other benthic community cover, coral growth rates, reef fish population dynamics, water quality, benthic contamination, and other indices of reef vitality. The assessment allows detection of changes in the reef communities, including detection of possible anthropogenic influence (specifically oil and gas impacts).
Use Limitations	Data in this archival information package are not currently available for public download from NCEI. Please contact NCEI directly for access to these data. accessLevel: Public Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.

Dataset Citation	Cite as: Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2022). 2014 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0244997). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Unpublished Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0244997. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Blakeway, Raven D. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Nuttall, Marissa F. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Hickerson, Emma L. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Schmahl, G.P. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Sinclair, James Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Principal Investigators	Raven D. Blakeway US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)
Contributors	US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)
Resource Providers	Raven D. Blakeway US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Related Funding Agency: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Related Funding Agency: US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS)

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS BENTHIC SPECIES CORAL CORAL - SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SPONGE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION Video Transect Images NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS in situ WMO_CategoryCode oceanography Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/INVERTEBRATES > SPONGES EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC EARTH SCIENCE > SOLID EARTH > GEOMORPHIC LANDFORMS/PROCESSES > COASTAL LANDFORMS > CORAL REEFS EARTH SCIENCE > SPECTRAL/ENGINEERING > VISIBLE WAVELENGTHS > VISIBLE IMAGERY Provider Keywords ALTIMETER BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC) BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) CORAL Coral Reef Studies FISH CENSUS (MESOPHOTIC) FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST) VIDEO TRANSECT WATER QUALITY (MOORED) WATER QUALITY (PROFILES) WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES) algae - species identification coral - species identification sponge - species identification
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords DOC/NOAA/NOS/NMS > National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Platform keywords	Provider Platform Names R/V MANTA
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS CTD CTD - moored CTD photograph swimmer/diver Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords CTD > Conductivity, Temperature, Depth Provider Instrument Names CTD CTD - moored CTD photograph swimmer/diver video camera
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Gulf of Mexico Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF MEXICO Provider Place Names Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Gulf of Mexico Stetson Bank
Project keywords	NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS LONG TERM MONITORING EAST-WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS LONG-TERM MONITORING AT THE EAST AND WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS (FLOWER GARDENS) Provider Project Names Coral Reef Studies LONG TERM MONITORING EAST-WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS (DOI/MMS) LONG-TERM MONITORING AT THE EAST-WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS (FLOWER GARDENS - DOI/MMS) Long Term Monitoring at Stetson Bank Flower Garden Banks
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0244997

Use Constraints	Cite as: Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2022). 2014 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0244997). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Unpublished Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0244997. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints	Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees	In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Percent Cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Bank crest repetitive photostations were selected within an area of dense high relief features harboring diverse benthic communities and marked by scuba divers using nails or eyebolts and numbered tags. Permanent mooring buoys 1, 2, and 3 were used for this study to enable easy access to the site by scuba divers. Repetitive photostations were installed on biologically interesting locations on high relief habitat, which included sites with scleractinian corals and sponges. In 1993, a total of 36 permanent photostations were installed. Over time several of these stations have been lost due to the dynamic environment at Stetson Bank (e.g., algal overgrowth, storm impacts, and fragile substrate). To maintain a sufficient number of repetitive photostation sites, new stations have been established, as needed, following the same selection criteria. Each station is located by scuba divers and photographed annually. Images were captured using a Sony A6500 digital camera in a Nauticam NA-A6500 housing with a Nikkor Nikonos 15 mm underwater lens mounted to a T-frame set at 1.75 m from the substrate, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1.2 m apart. A set of lasers were mounted to the pole of the T-frame, fixed at 30 cm, for spatial scale reference. To ensure repeatability of the area captured in each image, a compass and bubble level were mounted to the center of the T-frame to allow images to be taken in a vertical and northward orientation. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Thirty points were randomly overlaid on each image and the benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.. Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Percent cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Transect sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. A still camera, mounted on a 0.65 m T-frame with a bubble level and strobes, was used to capture non-overlapping images of the reef, where each image captured approximately 0.8 x 0.6 m (0.48 m^2). Each transect was designed to capture 8.16 m^2 of benthic habitat, therefore requiring 17 images. Spooled fiberglass 15 m measuring tapes with 17 pre-marked intervals (every 0.8 m) were used as guides, providing a 0.2 m buffer between each image to prevent overlap. A Canon Power Shot® G11 digital camera in an Ikelite® housing with a 28 mm equivalent wet mount lens adaptor, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1 m apart on the T-frame, was used. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Five hundred points per transect were distributed evenly amongst images and then randomly overlaid on each image. The benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.. Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Density (#/100 m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Scuba divers, using the modified Bohnsack and Bannerot (1986) stationary visual fish census technique, restricted observations to an imaginary cylinder with a radius of 7.5 m, extending from the benthos to the surface. All fish species observed within the first five minutes of the survey were recorded as the diver slowly rotated in place above the bottom. Immediately following this five-minute observation period, one rotation was conducted for each species noted in the original five-minute period to record abundance (number of individuals per species) and fork length (within size bins). Size was binned into eight groups; <5 cm, ≥5 to <10 cm, ≥10 to <15 cm, ≥15 to <20 cm, ≥20 to <25 cm, ≥25 to <30 cm, ≥30 to <35 cm. If fish were >35 cm, each individual size was recorded based on visual estimation by divers. Divers carried a 1 m PVC pole marked in 10 cm increments to provide a reference for size estimation. Each survey required, at minimum, 15 minutes to complete. Transitory or schooling species were counted and measured at the time they moved through the cylinder during the initial five-minute period. Notes on the habitat within each survey area were obtained, including information on benthic relief Surveys began after sunrise and were repeated throughout the day until dusk. There were two survey types: Random and Repetitive. Random survey start location were selected in conjuction with random transects. Survey sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. Repetitive survey sites were co-located with select benthic repetitive photostations where the station marker was the center of the fish survey cylinder. Counts were converted to density per 100m^2; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.. Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (MOORED) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD - moored CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water temperature and salinity on the crest of Stetson Bank (24 m), was collected continuously using a Sea-Bird® Electronics Inc. 16plus V2 CTD, equipped with a WET Labs ECO NTUS turbidity meter. The loggers were installed on a large railroad wheel in the midsection of the bank crest. The instrument was downloaded quarterly and factory service of the instrument was performed annually. Onset® Computer Corporation HOBO® Pro v2 U22-001 thermographs were used as a backup to the Sea-Bird instrument and recorded temperature on an hourly basis. A HOBO® thermograph deployed at the 30 m station, located on the northerly edge of the bank crest, recorded temperature hourly. Another HOBO® thermograph was installed at 40 m, also along the northern edge of the bank crest, to record temperature hourly. The loggers were downloaded and maintained on a quarterly basis. The HOBO® thermistors were attached to eyebolts embedded in the substrate. Due to instrument download schedule, some data from the previous and subsequent year are included in this data package. All measurements were later processed to daily averages.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.. Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (PROFILES) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; pH; DO; turbidity; fluorescence; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water column profiles were collected using a Sea-Bird Electronics 19plus V2 to record temperature, salinity, pH (on NBS scale), turbidity, fluorescence, and dissolved oxygen (DO) every ¼ second during the column profiles. Data were recorded following an initial soaking period, on the down cast phase of each deployment, while the CTD was brought to the surface at a rate <1 m/sec.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.. Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES) (measured); Units: variety; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water samples for nutrient and seawater carbonate chemistry parameters were collected quarterly. Samples were collected using a sampling carousel equipped with a Sea-Bird® Electronics 19plus V2 CTD and six OceanTest® Corporation 2.5 liter Niskin bottles, with bottles activated at specific depths. When this instrument was not available due to maintenance or operational issues, samples were collected using a manually triggered handheld Niskin bottle, lowered on a measured line. Each quarter, three nutrient samples, with one replicate for each depth, were collected near the seafloor (approximately 20 m depth), mid-water (10 m depth) and near the surface (1 m depth). Ocean carbonate samples were collected at identical depth intervals, with one replicate collected with the surface (1 m) sample. Once samples were collected, subsamples were transferred as follows: chlorophyll-a subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml brown glass containers with no preservatives; reactive soluble phosphorous subsamples were placed in 250 ml white plastic bottles with no preservatives; and ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and total nitrogen subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml white plastic bottles and preserved with sulfuric acid. Within minutes of sampling, labeled sample containers were stored on ice at 4 °C and a chain of custody was initiated for processing at an EPA certified laboratory. The samples were transported and delivered to A&B Laboratories in Houston, TX within twenty-four hours of collection. Water samples for seawater carbonate chemistry measurements were collected following methods requested by the Carbon Cycle Laboratory (CCL) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Samples were collected in ground neck borsilicate glass bottles. Bottles were filled using a 30 cm plastic tube connected to the filler valve of the Niskin bottle. Bottles were rinsed three times using the sample water, filled carefully to reduce bubble formation, and overflowed by at least 200 ml. A total of100 μl of saturated HgCl2was added to each bottle, which was then capped and the stopped was sealed with Apiezon® grease and secured with a rubber band. The bottles were then inverted vigorously to ensure homogeneous distribution of HgCl2. Samples were then stored at 4 °C and sent to CCL at TAMU-CC, in Corpus Christi, TX. Each sample was analyzed for pH, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), saturation state with respect to aragonite (Ωaragonite).; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.. Parameter or Variable: URCHIN (REPETITIVE QUADRAT) (measured); Units: Density (ind/m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Due to the nocturnal nature of these species, visual surveys are conducted at night, a minimum of 1.5 hours after sunset. Two repetitive belt transects, 2 m wide and ~100 m long, are conducted by dive teams along lines between permanent mooring buoys (from buoy #1 to #2 [100 m] and #2 to #3 [110 m]). One additional belt transect, 2 m wide and 50 m long (from buoy #3 to repetitive photostation #27) is also conducted. In total, 520 m2 are surveyed. Along each transect line, long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum), Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus), and slipper lobster species (Scyllaridae) are counted. In addition, sea urchin counts are conducted on both repetitive photostation images and random transect images, ollected during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). The abundance of long-spined sea urchin, Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus), and slipper lobster species (Scyllaridae) is recorded at each photostation and along each transect.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Percent Cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Bank crest repetitive photostations were selected within an area of dense high relief features harboring diverse benthic communities and marked by scuba divers using nails or eyebolts and numbered tags. Permanent mooring buoys 1, 2, and 3 were used for this study to enable easy access to the site by scuba divers. Repetitive photostations were installed on biologically interesting locations on high relief habitat, which included sites with scleractinian corals and sponges. In 1993, a total of 36 permanent photostations were installed. Over time several of these stations have been lost due to the dynamic environment at Stetson Bank (e.g., algal overgrowth, storm impacts, and fragile substrate). To maintain a sufficient number of repetitive photostation sites, new stations have been established, as needed, following the same selection criteria. Each station is located by scuba divers and photographed annually. Images were captured using a Sony A6500 digital camera in a Nauticam NA-A6500 housing with a Nikkor Nikonos 15 mm underwater lens mounted to a T-frame set at 1.75 m from the substrate, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1.2 m apart. A set of lasers were mounted to the pole of the T-frame, fixed at 30 cm, for spatial scale reference. To ensure repeatability of the area captured in each image, a compass and bubble level were mounted to the center of the T-frame to allow images to be taken in a vertical and northward orientation. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Thirty points were randomly overlaid on each image and the benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..
Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Percent cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Transect sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. A still camera, mounted on a 0.65 m T-frame with a bubble level and strobes, was used to capture non-overlapping images of the reef, where each image captured approximately 0.8 x 0.6 m (0.48 m^2). Each transect was designed to capture 8.16 m^2 of benthic habitat, therefore requiring 17 images. Spooled fiberglass 15 m measuring tapes with 17 pre-marked intervals (every 0.8 m) were used as guides, providing a 0.2 m buffer between each image to prevent overlap. A Canon Power Shot® G11 digital camera in an Ikelite® housing with a 28 mm equivalent wet mount lens adaptor, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1 m apart on the T-frame, was used. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Five hundred points per transect were distributed evenly amongst images and then randomly overlaid on each image. The benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..
Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Density (#/100 m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Scuba divers, using the modified Bohnsack and Bannerot (1986) stationary visual fish census technique, restricted observations to an imaginary cylinder with a radius of 7.5 m, extending from the benthos to the surface. All fish species observed within the first five minutes of the survey were recorded as the diver slowly rotated in place above the bottom. Immediately following this five-minute observation period, one rotation was conducted for each species noted in the original five-minute period to record abundance (number of individuals per species) and fork length (within size bins). Size was binned into eight groups; <5 cm, ≥5 to <10 cm, ≥10 to <15 cm, ≥15 to <20 cm, ≥20 to <25 cm, ≥25 to <30 cm, ≥30 to <35 cm. If fish were >35 cm, each individual size was recorded based on visual estimation by divers. Divers carried a 1 m PVC pole marked in 10 cm increments to provide a reference for size estimation. Each survey required, at minimum, 15 minutes to complete. Transitory or schooling species were counted and measured at the time they moved through the cylinder during the initial five-minute period. Notes on the habitat within each survey area were obtained, including information on benthic relief Surveys began after sunrise and were repeated throughout the day until dusk. There were two survey types: Random and Repetitive. Random survey start location were selected in conjuction with random transects. Survey sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. Repetitive survey sites were co-located with select benthic repetitive photostations where the station marker was the center of the fish survey cylinder. Counts were converted to density per 100m^2; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..
Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (MOORED) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD - moored CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water temperature and salinity on the crest of Stetson Bank (24 m), was collected continuously using a Sea-Bird® Electronics Inc. 16plus V2 CTD, equipped with a WET Labs ECO NTUS turbidity meter. The loggers were installed on a large railroad wheel in the midsection of the bank crest. The instrument was downloaded quarterly and factory service of the instrument was performed annually. Onset® Computer Corporation HOBO® Pro v2 U22-001 thermographs were used as a backup to the Sea-Bird instrument and recorded temperature on an hourly basis. A HOBO® thermograph deployed at the 30 m station, located on the northerly edge of the bank crest, recorded temperature hourly. Another HOBO® thermograph was installed at 40 m, also along the northern edge of the bank crest, to record temperature hourly. The loggers were downloaded and maintained on a quarterly basis. The HOBO® thermistors were attached to eyebolts embedded in the substrate. Due to instrument download schedule, some data from the previous and subsequent year are included in this data package. All measurements were later processed to daily averages.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..
Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (PROFILES) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; pH; DO; turbidity; fluorescence; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water column profiles were collected using a Sea-Bird Electronics 19plus V2 to record temperature, salinity, pH (on NBS scale), turbidity, fluorescence, and dissolved oxygen (DO) every ¼ second during the column profiles. Data were recorded following an initial soaking period, on the down cast phase of each deployment, while the CTD was brought to the surface at a rate <1 m/sec.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..
Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES) (measured); Units: variety; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water samples for nutrient and seawater carbonate chemistry parameters were collected quarterly. Samples were collected using a sampling carousel equipped with a Sea-Bird® Electronics 19plus V2 CTD and six OceanTest® Corporation 2.5 liter Niskin bottles, with bottles activated at specific depths. When this instrument was not available due to maintenance or operational issues, samples were collected using a manually triggered handheld Niskin bottle, lowered on a measured line. Each quarter, three nutrient samples, with one replicate for each depth, were collected near the seafloor (approximately 20 m depth), mid-water (10 m depth) and near the surface (1 m depth). Ocean carbonate samples were collected at identical depth intervals, with one replicate collected with the surface (1 m) sample. Once samples were collected, subsamples were transferred as follows: chlorophyll-a subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml brown glass containers with no preservatives; reactive soluble phosphorous subsamples were placed in 250 ml white plastic bottles with no preservatives; and ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and total nitrogen subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml white plastic bottles and preserved with sulfuric acid. Within minutes of sampling, labeled sample containers were stored on ice at 4 °C and a chain of custody was initiated for processing at an EPA certified laboratory. The samples were transported and delivered to A&B Laboratories in Houston, TX within twenty-four hours of collection. Water samples for seawater carbonate chemistry measurements were collected following methods requested by the Carbon Cycle Laboratory (CCL) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Samples were collected in ground neck borsilicate glass bottles. Bottles were filled using a 30 cm plastic tube connected to the filler valve of the Niskin bottle. Bottles were rinsed three times using the sample water, filled carefully to reduce bubble formation, and overflowed by at least 200 ml. A total of100 μl of saturated HgCl2was added to each bottle, which was then capped and the stopped was sealed with Apiezon® grease and secured with a rubber band. The bottles were then inverted vigorously to ensure homogeneous distribution of HgCl2. Samples were then stored at 4 °C and sent to CCL at TAMU-CC, in Corpus Christi, TX. Each sample was analyzed for pH, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), saturation state with respect to aragonite (Ωaragonite).; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..
Parameter or Variable: URCHIN (REPETITIVE QUADRAT) (measured); Units: Density (ind/m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Due to the nocturnal nature of these species, visual surveys are conducted at night, a minimum of 1.5 hours after sunset. Two repetitive belt transects, 2 m wide and ~100 m long, are conducted by dive teams along lines between permanent mooring buoys (from buoy #1 to #2 [100 m] and #2 to #3 [110 m]). One additional belt transect, 2 m wide and 50 m long (from buoy #3 to repetitive photostation #27) is also conducted. In total, 520 m2 are surveyed. Along each transect line, long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum), Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus), and slipper lobster species (Scyllaridae) are counted. In addition, sea urchin counts are conducted on both repetitive photostation images and random transect images, ollected during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). The abundance of long-spined sea urchin, Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus), and slipper lobster species (Scyllaridae) is recorded at each photostation and along each transect.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	CTD CTD - moored CTD photograph swimmer/diver

Last Modified: 2022-07-25T19:46:28Z
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2014 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0244997)

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