Belt transects along 2 consecutively-placed, 25m transect lines were surveyed at 50-cm intervals as part of Rapid Ecological Assessments conducted at 6 sites at Howland Island in January, 2006 from the NOAA vessel Hi'ialakai (HI06-01). Raw survey data included percent cover of benthic parameters, including live coral, dead coral, carbonate pavement, sand, coral rubble, fleshy macroalgae, crustose coralline algae, and other sessile invertebrates along the two transect lines. In addition, an area of 1-2m on each side of each transect was surveyed; within this area, each coral colony was inspected and every diseased/afflicted colony identified to the lowest taxonomic and type of affliction recorded.
Part of a long-term monitoring program at biennial intervals in which corals, algae, fish, and other macroinvertebrates are co-sampled along the same set of transect lines
Maximum depth was 15 meters. Corals observed: Common Name Scientific Name Species Genus Family Order Class Phylum- Kingdom Division Coral Montipora Acroporidae Scleractinia Anthozoa Cnidaria Animalia Coral Acropora Acroporidae Scleractinia Anthozoa Cnidaria Animalia Coral Pocillopora Pocilloporidae Scleractinia Anthozoa Cnidaria Animalia Coral Porites Poritiidae Scleractinia Anthozoa Cnidaria Animalia
Ground condition
Please cite CRED when using the data. Coral Reef Ecosystem Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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NMFS/PIFSC/CRED
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Observations were made by a single diver who is an expert in coral diseases. The benthic cover and disease assessment surveys are conducted one time per site per survey year; it is not replicated.
The same methods of data collection were used at each of the sites surveyed at this location, and were conducted by the same scientist (Vargas-Angel).
The survey sites were selected to be representative of the dominant habitats at this reef.
GPS unit
Instrument parameters
Dive computer and SCUBA depth gauge
As a diver swam along the transect line, he inspected the benthic elements falling directly underneath each 50-cm mark on the transect line. Each such element was tallied under the following scheme: live coral, dead coral, carbonate pavement, coral rubble, sand, rock, algae, invertebrate, and other. Live benthic elements including coral, algae, and invertebrates were identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. At the end of this examination , the diver also surveyed an area of 1-2 m on either side of each transect lines, along which each coral was inspected and every diseased colony identified to the lowest taxonomic and type of affliction recorded.
While every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within the limits of the current state of the art, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by errors or omissions in the data, nor as a result of the failure of the data to function on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty.
Contact CRED data management team for information
