FBSAD Reef Fish-Habitat Quadrat Surveys at Hawaii Island (Big Island), Main Hawaiian Islands, 2005 (NODC Accession 0046935)

Metadata also available as - [Outline] - [Parseable text] - [XML]

Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
FBSAD Reef Fish-Habitat Quadrat Surveys at Hawaii Island (Big Island), Main Hawaiian Islands, 2005 (NODC Accession 0046935)
Abstract:
Habitat quadrats were surveyed at 8-13 m depths using shore-based transects swum at 3 longshore sites on the leeward coast (North and South Kohala districts) of the Big Island (Hawaii Island, in the MHI) during spring 2005. Substratum percent cover and rugosity were characterized within multiple quadrats at each site. A total 90 "Reference" ('REF') quadrats (whose positions were randomly selected) and a total 89 "Target" ('TAR') quadrats (positions centered on sightings of recruit fishes), each of 1-m2** area, were surveyed at the 3 Sites. In each quadrat, the percentage cover of each of seven (7) major substratum types were estimated, as was a "Rugosity Index". The study was published in a peer-reviewed marine science journal in August 2007. The full citation is: "DeMartini EE, Anderson TW (2007) Habitat associations and aggregation of recruit fishes on Hawaiian coral reefs. Bulletin of Marine Science 81(1):139-152".
Supplemental_Information:
The maximum observation depth was 13 meters. Habitat characterized DATAFILE NAME: RECRUIT-REEF-FISH_HABITAT_QUADRATS_2005.xls File date: 12MAR08 Size: 1253 records (219 kb)

This file consists of the following eleven (11) variables. The permissible values of these variables, including names of categories if the variable is a classification variable are noted [in brackets]:

DATE $ DDMMMYY [range: 23MAY05 to 10JUN05]

ISLAND $ [One (1) category: 'BIG']

SITE $ [Three (3) categories: 'PUK_END', 'HOLO', 'MAHU']

OBSERVER $ [Two (2) categories: 'EED', 'TWA']

TRANSECT [Transect number = 1, 2, 3 ... n, where n = 1-10 if SITE = 'HOLO' or if SITE = 'MAHU' but where n = 1-8 if SITE = 'PUK_END']

QUADTYP $ [Quadrat Type: either one of two types: 'REF' (for "Reference") and 'TAR' (for "Target"); REF quadrats were randomly placed to estimate substratum percent cover and rugosity throughout transected areas; the placement of TAR quadrats was selective - they were centered over recruit reef fish sightings to provide estimates of substratum cover and rugosity where recruits occurred]

QUADNO [Quadrat number = 1, 2, 3 ... n, where n = 1-7 for (SITE = 'PUK_END' and TRANSECT = 1 and QUADTYP = REF or QUADTYP = TAR); n = 1-5 for (SITE = 'PUK_END' and TRANSECT = 2 and QUADTYP = 'REF'); n = 1-4 for (SITE = PUK_END' and TRANSECT = 2 and QUADTYP = 'TAR'); and n = 1-3 for all other TRANSECT-QUADTYP-QUADNO combinations]

RUG1 ["Rugosity Index" = ratio of conforming to straight line distance over substrate features within an individual 1-m**2 quadrat; typical values range from > 1.2 to < 3.0; the theoretical minimum value is 1.0.]

RUG2 [Same measurement as RUG1 except taken perpendicular to RUG1 within same quadrat placement; the maximum value observed in the 2005 survey series for any single rugosity measurement was 3.55.]

SUBSTRATE $ [Seven (7) major substratum categories were used: Live massive [highly three-dimensional] Porites lobata coral (= PL_MASS); live encrusting [mostly two-dimensional] Porites lobata coral (= PL_ENCR); live Hawaiian finger coral Porites compressa (= PC); live cauliflower coral Pocillopora meandina (= POC); all live coral taxa other than the aforementioned )= CORALSPP); carbonate rock (dead coral limestone), generally with short (< 1-cm tall) turfing algae (= TURF); and SAND (unconsolidated carbonate).

PCT_SUB [Percent cover estimated for each of the seven (7) substratum categories; sums to 100% within each quadrat]

  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Fishery Biology and Stock Assessment Division (FBSAD), Pacific Island Fisheries Sciences Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 20080331, FBSAD Reef Fish-Habitat Quadrat Surveys at Hawaii Island (Big Island), Main Hawaiian Islands, 2005 (NODC Accession 0046935).

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -155.901
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -155.859
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 20.184
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 19.955
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 23-May-2005
    Ending_Date: 10-Jun-2005
    Currentness_Reference: Ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: spreadsheet
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Degrees and decimal minutes. The horizontal datum used is World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84).
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80 (GRS80).
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.2572236.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Depth_System_Definition:
      Depth_Datum_Name: Local surface
      Depth_Resolution: 1
      Depth_Distance_Units: meters
      Depth_Encoding_Method: Explicit depth coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    EED = Edward E. DeMartini, Fishery Biology and Stock Assessment Division (FBSAD), Pacific Island Fisheries Sciences Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Fishery Biology and Stock Assessment Division (FBSAD), Pacific Island Fisheries Sciences Center, National Marine Fisheries Service
    Attn: Dr. Edward E. DeMartini
    NOAA IRC
    Honolulu, HI
    USA

    808-725-5376 (voice)
    808-983-2902 (FAX)

Why was the data set created?

To provide taxonomic and functional characterizations of reef habitat that complement the reef fish density estimates provided by the companion database named "Recruit_Reef_Fish_Belt_Transects_2005.xls". These data represent the first surveys of a multi-year (spring season only) project using in situ diver observations at sites of differing habitat structure, to descriptively test predictions relating to the use of specific habitats by the juveniles of various species of reef fishes in Hawaii.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: Unknown (process 1 of 1)
    Data were collected by two divers (EED, TWA) swimming along the laid transect lines (25-m length). 'Ref' quadrats were located at random points along the transect line; 'TAR' quadrats were centered over sightings of recruit fish within 5-m distance of the laid transect lines. Each quadrat was square and 1-m x 1-m (1 m**2 area) and consistently positioned along the transect line axis. Percent cover was estimated by eye for each substratum category to the nearest 5% (if totaling >= 10%) or to the nearest 1% (if totaling < 10%). (Visual estimates were previously validated by a pilot study comparing visual estimates with line-point intercept estimates of percent cover.) The taxonomic/structural substratum types used were: live massive [highly three-dimensional] Porites lobata (= PL_MASS); live encrusting [mostly two-dimensional] Porites lobata (= PL_ENCR); live Hawaiian endemic finger coral Porites compressa (= PC); live cauliflower coral Pocillopora meandina (= POC); all living coral taxa other than the aforementioned )= CORALSPP); carbonate rock (dead coral limestone), generally with short (< 1-cm tall) turfing algae (= TURF); and sand (unconsolidated carbonate). Rugosity Indices were estimated in conventional manner using 2-cm (half-inch) link chain (ratio of conforming to straight line distance over substrate); two measurements (recorded as separate variables RUG1 and RUG2) were taken perpendicular to one another within each quadrat and averaged in analyses. Upon returning to shore, each diver corrected his own data sheets for legibility and each diver entered his own data into Excel spreadsheets. EED subsequently error checked all data for outliers and other discrepancies and corrected any errors found. This data file consists of partly processed data. Fractional cover estimates have been converted to percentages by multiplying fractions by 100%. The positions of individual quadrats and transects were not recorded by GPS; the transects and 'REF' quadrats were positioned randomly and the 'TAR' quadrats selectively centered on recruit sightings scattered throughout 1.0-1.5 ha areas centered on: SITE = 'PUK_END': 19.962 N lat, -155.859 W lon SITE = 'HOLO': 19.955 N lat, -155.864 W lon SITE = 'MAHU': 20.184 N lat, -155.901 W lon
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Observations at each site were made by two divers (EED, TWA = Dr. Todd W. Anderson, Department of Biology, San Diego State University), both experienced in underwater survey techniques. Observations were periodically checked during the surveys for consistency in recording protocols within- and between the two divers.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    GPS unit
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Dive computer and SCUBA depth gauge
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    The 3 survey sites were selected to be representative of wave-exposed (SITE = 'PUK_END', for "Point at End of the Road, Puako Beach Drive"); partially exposed (SITE = 'HOLO', for "Holoholokai Beach Park"), and wave-protected (SITE = 'MAHU', for "Mahukona") fringing reef habitats of the North and South Kohala districts coasts of leeward Hawaii Island. A completely balanced design (3 REF quadrats plus 3 TAR quadrats per each of 10 transects at each of 3 sites, for totals of 30 'REF' and 30 'TAR' quadrats per site) was initially intended. However, the outcome was slightly unbalanced at Site = 'PUK_END' (only 8 transects with from 3 to 7 'REF' and 'TAR' quadrats per transect, for totals of 30 'REF' and 29 'TAR' quadrats) due to logistical constraints.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    The same methods of data collection were used at each of the sites surveyed, and all data were estimated and recorded by the same two scientists. Periodic examination of the data through the duration of the surveys showed no signs of diver bias or other discrepancies; this was further supported by the results of post hoc analyses evaluating diver comparability.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
Please cite FBSAD when using the data. Fishery Biology and Stock Assessment Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Fishery Biology and Stock Assessment Division (FBSAD), Pacific Island Fisheries Sciences Center, National Marine Fisheries Service
    Attn: Edward E. DeMartini
    NOAA IRC
    Honolulu, HI
    USA

    808-725-5376 (voice)
    808-983-2902 (FAX)
    edward.demartini@noaa.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    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.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
  5. Is there some other way to get the data?
    Please contact Dr. Edward E. DeMartini for inquiries and data
  6. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    None

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 06-Jan-2021
Last Reviewed: 23-Sep-2008
Metadata author:
Edward E. DeMartini
Fishery Biology and Stock Assessment Division (FBSAD), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA IRC
Honolulu, HI
USA

808-725-5376 (voice)
808-983-2902 (FAX)
edward.demartini@noaa.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Generated by mp version 2.9.48 on Wed Mar 27 10:54:11 2024