Marine Species Survey of Johnston Atoll, Central Pacific Ocean, June 2000 (NODC Accession 0000670)

Samples were collected using methods previously employed on non-indigenous species surveys in Hawaii and Midway (Coles et al. 1997;Coles et al.1998; Coles et al, 1999a; Coles et al. 1999b; DeFelice etal, 1998). Some of the sampling stations were located to be near sites previously sampled (Brock et al, 1965; Brock et al. 1966) and (Jokieland Tyler 1992), others were located in important sites such as in the harbor, along dredge channels or near the Johnston Island sewage outfall. Collections and observations were made by three experienced investigators sampling as large a variety of habitats as possible at each station while using Scuba. Two divers sampled organisms growing on hard surfaces and in sediments from the intertidal zone to the base of the reef. The third diver recorded the identities of fishes swimming in the area, noted the presence of abundant invertebrate macrofauna and macroalgae, and photographed and collected corals for identification of both the corals and their commensal organisms. Macro-organisms were collected by hand, hard surfaces were scraped with a chisel, and several liters of coral rubble were placed in an 80 um mesh bag and transported back to the laboratory for later inspection and removal of cryptic organisms. Where sediments were present at a station, 500 cc of sand was collected in plastic bags and later air-dried prior to hand sorting for micromollusks under a dissecting microscope. A subsample of 20 cc was sorted from each sample. When present at a survey site, whole macroalgae plants were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol, and epiphytic organisms were later rinsed from the algae and preserved in ethanol for future processing. Collected organisms,which range 4-8 liters in total volume for each station were inspected onsite, and selected hydroids, anemones and tunicates were removed and relaxedin a solution of Epsom salts and seawater before preserving in 5% formalin.The remaining organisms were preserved on site in 70% alcohol before returning the samples to the laboratory for sorting and identification of organisms. Specimens collected were sorted and identified to species or the lowest practicable taxa, using dissecting or compound microscope magnification when necessary. Identifications were made using descriptions available in Reef and Shore Fauna of Hawai'i Sections 1 to 4 (published), 5 and 6 (unpublished),various taxonomic references, and voucher specimens in the Bishop Museum collections. Specimens from various groups were sent to taxonomic experts for final identifications, given by the following specialists: Macroalgae: Mr. Jack Fisher, Bishop Museum Hydroids: Dr Dale Calder, Royal Ontario Museum Zoantharians: Dr. Daphne Fautin, University of Kansas Isopods: Dr. Brian Kensley, U.S. National Museum of Natural History Bryozoans: Ms. Chela Zabin, University of Hawaii Ophiuroids: Dr. Gordon Hendler, Los Angeles County Museum Ascidians: Dr. Gretchen Lambert, California State University at Fullerton