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National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: Stratified Random Surveys (StRS) of Coral Demography (Adult and Juvenile Corals) across the Mariana Archipelago from 2022-05-10 to 2022-06-01 (NCEI Accession 0279491)

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The data described here result from benthic coral demographic surveys for two life stages (juveniles, adults) across the Mariana archipelago from 2022-05-10 to 2022-06-01. Juvenile colony surveys include morphology and size. Adult colony surveys record morphology, colony size, partial mortality in two categories - old dead and recent dead, cause of recent dead partial mortality, and non-lesion forming condition (including bleaching and disease). Observations were repeated for internal review, and are denoted with TRANSECTNUM = 2 and REPEAT_SEGMENT_YN = -1. When using observation data for analyses, filter for TRANSECTNUM = 1.

A two-stage stratified random sampling (StRS) design was employed to survey the coral reef ecosystems throughout the U.S. Pacific regions. The survey domain encompassed the majority of the mapped area of reef and hard bottom habitats in the 0-30 m depth range. The stratification scheme included island, reef zone, and depth in all regions, as well as habitat structure type in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Sampling effort was allocated based on strata area and sites were randomly located within strata. Sites were surveyed using belt transects to collect juvenile and adult coral colony metrics. These data provide information on juvenile and adult coral abundance (density, proportion occurrence, and total colony abundance), size distribution, partial mortality, prevalence and abundance of recent mortality and cause, prevalence of disease and bleaching, and diversity.

The StRS design effectively reduces estimate variance through stratification using environmental covariates and by sampling more sites rather than sampling more transects at a site. Therefore, site-level estimates and site to site comparisons should be used with caution.
  • Cite as: Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2023). National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: Stratified Random Surveys (StRS) of Coral Demography (Adult and Juvenile Corals) across the Mariana Archipelago from 2022-05-10 to 2022-06-01 (NCEI Accession 0279491). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0279491. Accessed [date].
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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 2022-05-10 to 2022-06-01
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: 144.634585
East: 145.831897
South: 13.241626
North: 20.037076
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • Ecosystem Sciences Division Standard Operating Procedures: Data Collection for Rapid Ecological Assessment Benthic Surveys, 2019 Update
  • Swanson, D. W., Bailey, H., Schumacher, B., Ferguson, M., & Vargas-Ángel Bernardo. (2018). Ecosystem Sciences Division standard operating procedures: data collection for rapid ecological assessment benthic surveys. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (U.S.). https://doi.org/10.25923/39JH-8993
  • Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 2023: National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: Stratified Random Surveys (StRS) of Coral Demography (Adult and Juvenile Corals) across the Mariana Archipelago since 2014, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/36165.
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2023-07-12
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed
Supplemental Information
Submission Package ID: RW0AK2
Purpose The NOAA National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) details a long term approach to provide an ecosystem perspective via monitoring climate, fish, benthic, and socioeconomic variables in a consistent and integrated manner. The NCRMP coordinates various NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) biological, physical, and human dimensions activities into a cohesive NOAA-wide effort. Through the implementation of the NCRMP, NOAA is able to clearly and concisely communicate results of national-scale monitoring to national, state, and territorial policy makers, resource managers, and the public on a periodic basis. NCRMP is a framework for conducting sustained observations of biological, climate, and socioeconomic indicators at 10 priority coral reefs across the U.S. and its territories. This integrated approach consolidates monitoring of coral reefs under a uniform method in the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico for the first time. NCRMP is funded by the CRCP and supported by NOAA Fisheries, NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), and many other partners. The PIFSC Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) at NOAA Fisheries is leading biological monitoring in the U.S. Pacific Islands Region. The biological component of NCRMP in the Pacific provides a triennial ecological characterization at a broad spatial scale of general reef condition for reef fishes, corals and benthic habitat (i.e., fish species composition/density/size, benthic cover, and coral density/size/condition). Innovative analysis techniques are then used to develop products that give fellow scientists, managers, decision makers and the public a better understanding of a region’s resources and how they are changing over time.
Use Limitations
  • 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: Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2023). National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: Stratified Random Surveys (StRS) of Coral Demography (Adult and Juvenile Corals) across the Mariana Archipelago from 2022-05-10 to 2022-06-01 (NCEI Accession 0279491). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0279491. Accessed [date].
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Acknowledgments
  • Related Funding Agency: US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Coral Reef Conservation Program
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus
  • Numeric Data Sets > Biology
CoRIS Theme Thesaurus
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Species Richness
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Coral Colony Size and Condition
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Rapid assessment studies
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology > BioDiversity
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral reef ecology > Coral cover
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Coral
  • EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Coral Communities
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords Submitter Theme Keywords
  • Coral Belt Survey
  • Coral Disease
  • REA
  • Rapid Ecological Assessments
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords Submitter Data Center Keywords
  • CRED
  • CREP
  • Coral Reef Ecosystem Division
  • Coral Reef Ecosystem Program
  • Ecosystem Sciences Division
  • PIFSC
  • Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
Platform keywords NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords ICES/SeaDataNet Ship Codes
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS CoRIS Place Thesaurus
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Asuncion Island > Asuncion Island (19N145E0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Maug > Maug Island (20N145E0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Northern Mariana Islands > Northern Mariana Islands ( CNMI ) (18N146E0000)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Pagan > Pagan Island (18N145E0001)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Rota > Rota Island ( Luta ) (14N145E0007)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Saipan > Saipan Island (15N145E0002)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > Northern Mariana Islands > Tinian > Tinian Island (14N145E0005)
  • COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Guam (13N144E0000)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Asuncion Island > Asuncion Island (19N145E0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Guam (13N144E0000)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Mariana Archipelago > Northern Mariana Islands ( CNMI ) (18N146E0000)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Maug Island > Maug Island (20N145E0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Pagan Island > Pagan Island (18N145E0001)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Rota Island > Rota Island ( Luta ) (14N145E0007)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Saipan Island > Saipan Island (15N145E0002)
  • OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Tinian Island Reefs > Tinian Island (14N145E0005)
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords Submitter Place Keywords
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
  • Mariana Archipelago
  • Mariana Islands
  • Marianas
Project keywords NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS CRCP Project
  • 743
  • National Coral Reef Monitoring Program
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2023). National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: Stratified Random Surveys (StRS) of Coral Demography (Adult and Juvenile Corals) across the Mariana Archipelago from 2022-05-10 to 2022-06-01 (NCEI Accession 0279491). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0279491. 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.
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  • 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
  • 2023-07-12T19:01:38Z - NCEI Accession 0279491 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • Parameter or Variable: CORAL (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver.
  • Parameter or Variable: CORAL - COLONY SIZE (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: At each site, benthic Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys were conducted within one 10 sq. meter belt transect, 18 meters in length. Adult coral colonies (>=5 cm) were surveyed within four (1.0 x 2.5 m) segments at 5 meter increments along the 18 meter transect in the following manner: 0-2.5 m (segment 0); 5.0-7.5 m (segment 5); 10-12.5 m (segment 10); and 15-17.5 m (segment 15). All colonies whose center fell within 0.5 m on either side of each transect line were measured for size (maximum diameter to nearest cm). In addition, partial mortality and condition of each colony was assessed. Partial mortality was estimated as percent of the colony in terms of old dead and recent dead. The cause of recent mortality was identified if possible. The condition of each colony including disease (not attributed to recent tissue loss) and bleaching was noted along with the extent (percent of colony affected) and level of severity (range from moderate to acute). Juvenile coral colonies (1 - 5 cm) were surveyed within the same segments of the transect. Juvenile colonies were distinguished in the field by a distinct tissue and skeletal boundary (not a fragment of larger colony). Each juvenile colony was measured for size by recording the maximum diameter to the nearest 5 mm.; Data Quality Method: Observations were made by experienced benthic survey personnel who have been trained, undergone a series of calibration surveys and coral taxon identification testing, and have met a set of minimum standards for colony assessment and taxon identification in each region..
  • Parameter or Variable: CORAL - SPECIES IDENTIFICATION (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: At each site, benthic Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) surveys were conducted within one 10 sq. meter belt transect, 18 meters in length. Adult coral colonies (>=5 cm) were surveyed within four (1.0 x 2.5 m) segments at 5 meter increments along the 18 meter transect in the following manner: 0-2.5 m (segment 0); 5.0-7.5 m (segment 5); 10-12.5 m (segment 10); and 15-17.5 m (segment 15). All colonies whose center fell within 0.5 m on either side of each transect line were identified to lowest taxonomic level possible (species or genus), and morphology was noted. The lowest taxonomic level of coral identification was genus except for a select number of species consistently identified to species by all divers conducting the surveys. The number of species may change for each survey year depending on the experience and training of the benthic divers conducting the surveys. The list of coral species is included for each survey year. Juvenile coral colonies (<5 cm) were surveyed segments along the same transect. Juvenile colonies were distinguished in the field by a distinct tissue and skeletal boundary (not a fragment of larger colony). Each juvenile colony was identified to genus level.; Data Quality Method: Observations were made by experienced benthic survey personnel who have been trained, undergone a series of calibration surveys and coral taxon identification testing, and have met a set of minimum standards for colony assessment and taxon identification in each region. The accuracy of species and genus level identification was high. The lowest taxonomic level of coral identification was genus except for a select number of species that were consistently identified to species by all divers conducting the surveys. The number of species may change for each survey year depending on the experience and training of the benthic divers. The list of coral species is included for each region and survey year. The total number of species was 54 coral species and 48 coral genera in 2022 in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. In other words, the individual records within each year may include many more species than encompassed by the region lists, however, these were not consistently identified across all surveys so these records should be assessed at the genus level..
  • Parameter or Variable: CORAL - CENSUS (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Number of coral colonies of a specific taxon per survey area. Morphology, colony size, colony count, and species were identified for adult and juvenile corals along a given transect at a stratified-random site.; Data Quality Method: Internal review was performed by repeating observations, and preliminary data was analyzed to determine diver bias. Regular meetings were conducted during the field season to address and alleviate diver bias..
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • swimmer/diver
  • visual observation
Platform
  • NOAA Ship Rainier
Last Modified: 2024-02-21T13:46:13Z
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