Guam community members gathered benthic cover data using a 0.25m2 quadrat with 6 intersecting points at each meter along a 25-meter transect. Members identified corals and algae to genus (when possible), seagrass to species, and sponges to phylum. Data is supported by photos from the sites. Members collect a total of 150 data points for each transect.
Part of a long-term community monitoring program at irregular intervals which documents the state of the reefs.
Maximum depth was 2 meters.
Ground Condition
Please cite GCCRMP when using data. Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program, Habitat Conservation Division, Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries
Guam Field Office
770 East Sunset Blvd. Suite 170
e-mail preferred
Valerie Brown, Habitat Conservation Division, Pacific Islands Regional Office, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
The benthic cover observations were made by members of the Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Members were completing their basic training in benthic monitoring, and are not formally trained scientists. The benthic cover assessment surveys are conducted periodically as conditions permit and may or may not be replicated.
The same methods of data collection were used at each of the sites surveyed, but were conducted by different members.
The survey sites were selected to be representative of the dominant habitats at this reef system.
GPS Unit
Instrument parameters
GCCRMP surveys provide a low degree of taxonomic resolution for coral, algae, and other macroinvertebrate communities. The surveys were conducted along reef flats around Guam at depths between 0.5 and 2 m. biological assessment teams follow standard protocols that are repeated at each site. Once GCCRMP leaders navigate to the site using a GPS, members deploy a 25 m transect line which are also used for macroinvertebrate surveys. The sampling effort takes between 20 and 60 min to complete. The selection of sites was made by the GCCRMP Science Coordinator. Factors considered during site selection included: (1) ensuring a range of sample sites representative of the benthic habitats in the selected area; (2) sites are accessbile to members; (3) selection to facilitate simple hypothesis testing by local school and community groups; and (5) selecting a number of sites that could be compared to and complement previous assessment and monitoring work as well as future coral reef monitoring proposed by local agencies. It is important to note that access to sites can be limited by wave exposure, weather conditions, and other environmental factors such as currents. Transect placement was guided by: (1) a focus on representative reef flat communities; (2) deploying lines along an isobath parallel to shore to the extent possible at each site.
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 GCCRMP for information
770 East Sunset Blvd, Suite 170
