Stationary Point Counts at 4 stations at each survey site were surveyed as part of Rapid Ecological Assessments conducted at 6 sites at Baker Islands in January, 2004 NOAA vessel Oscar Elton Sette (OES04-01). Raw survey data included species level abundance estimates.
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
The maximum observation depth was 20 meters. Fish observed: Common Name Scientific Name Species Genus Family Order Class Phylum- Kingdom Division Bony Fishes Osteichthyes Vertebrata Animalia Sharks and Rays Osteichthyes Vertebrata Animalia
Ground condition
Please cite CRED when using the data. Coral Reef Ecosystem Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Sciences Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Observations at each site were made by a single diver who is an expert in fish taxonomy. The team of three REA fish divers rotated roles with two divers performing belt-transect surveys and one diver performing stationary point counts at each survey site. Observations were periodically checked during the expedition for consistency between divers, and little discrepancy was ever noted between divers. It should be noted, however, that this data set is quite large, and probably includes typographical or other errors that might be discovered at a future date.
The same methods of data collection were used at each of the sites surveyed at this location, and were conducted by the same scientists. Periodic examination of the data through the duration of the trip showed no signs of diver bias or other discrepancies.
The survey sites were selected to be representative of the coral reef habitats at this reef system. Efforts were made to include broad spatial coverage of the reef area, but weather conditions or other environmental constraints may have precluded the team from surveying windward or exposed sites.
GPS unit
Instrument parameters
Dive computer and SCUBA depth gauge
Data were collected by a single diver who remained motionless while slowly turning in a circle for a duration of 5 minutes recording the abundance and size of all fishes greater than 25cm TL observed within a 10m radius. At each survey site, 4 replicate counts were conducted. Fish were identified to the lowest possible taxon which in most cases was the species level. This data is recorded in the spreadsheet as DataTyp = QUAN. Following the completion of four SPC replicates at each site, the diver spent his remaining bottom time roving the general area near the site recording the presence of all fish species observed at the site. This data is recorded in the spreadsheet as DataTyp = PRES. Upon returning to the ship and Honolulu offices, data were error checked, and data from the three fish surveyors were consolidated into one spreadsheet. Data have not been modified, and this data set includes raw data.
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.
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