Belt transects along 2 consecutively-placed, 25m transect lines were surveyed at 50-cm intervals as part of Rapid Ecological Assessments conducted at 3 sites at Maui Island in the Main Hawaiian Islands in February, 2005 February-March, 2005 from the NOAA vessel Oscar Eaton Sette (HI05-05). Raw survey data included percent cover of benthic parameters, including live coral, carbonate pavement, sand, coral rubble, fleshy macroalgae, and crustose coralline algae. In addition, an area of 6x25 m along each transect was surveyed for prevalence of coral disease.
Part of a reef assessment 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 17 meters. Corals observed: Common Name Scientific Name Species Genus Family Order Class Phylum- Kingdom Division Coral Porites Poritidae 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
NOAA IRC
NMFS/PIFSC/CRED
1845 WASP Blvd., Building 176
e-mail preferred
Observations were made by a single diver who is an expert in coral biology. The population parameter survey is 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.
Selection of survey sites was guided by priority areas outlined by the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources. The intention was to survey areas that had not been previously scientifically assessed. The sites therefore do not necessarily represent a range of habitats or exposures.
GPS unit
Instrument parameters
Dive computer and SCUBA depth gauge
As a diver swam along the transect line, he inspected and talied the live coral elements falling directly underneath each 50-cm mark on the transect line. At the end of this examination , the diver also surveyed an area of 25x6 m, along each transect, within which prevalence of coral disease was 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
