Reef-census data from Buck Island Reef

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title: Reef-census data from Buck Island Reef
Abstract:
In July of 2016, Florida Institute of Technology researchers, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), conducted reef-census surveys at 54 sites around Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The sites are divided across two reef sectors (North and South) and three reef habitats (fore reef, reef crest, and back reef). The surveys provided data on the percent coverage of corals and other benthic taxa, and abundance of bioeroding parrotfishes and urchins.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Toth, Lauren T., Whitcher, Elizabeth M., Aronson, Richard B., and Kuffner, Ilsa B., 20220920, Reef-census data from Buck Island Reef:.

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Toth, Lauren T., Whitcher, Elizabeth M., Aronson, Richard B., and Kuffner, Ilsa B., 20220920, Reef-census Data from Buck Island Reef National Monument: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/P97YB2YF, U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, Florida.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -64.62820
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -64.60891
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 17.79495
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 17.78266
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 05-Jul-2016
    Ending_Date: 15-Jul-2016
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Point (54)
    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 0.000000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.000000001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS_84.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    Buck_Island_Reef_Site_Coordinates.csv
    Comma-separated values (CSV) file with the dDescription of the location (sector, latitude, and longitude) and habitat of each of the 54 sSites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Sector
    The sites were divided evenly between two regions, or "sectors" of the reef - North and South - which represented distinct reef habitats and hydrodynamic regimes. This attribute indicates the sector in which each site is located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    NorthThe site is located north of 17.788 degrees north latitude (World Geodetic System of 1984 [WGS 84]).
    SouthThe site is located south of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    Habitat
    The reef habitat type in which the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument were located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    RCThe site is in a reef-crest (RC) habitat; the shallowest part of the reef.
    FRThe site is in a fore-reef (FR) habitat; offshore and in deeper water than the reef crest.
    BRThe site is in a back-reef (BR) habitat; inshore of the reef crest.
    Site
    A unique identifier for each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS) A unique site identifier that combines the geographic location of the site around Buck Island National Monument (E=east, N=north, or S=south), a site number (1-6) for each geographic location, and the habitat type (RC=reef crest, FR=fore reef, or BR=back reef).
    Latitude
    The latitude of the site in decimal degrees (WGS 84). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:17.78266
    Maximum:17.79495
    Units:decimal degrees
    Longitude
    The longitude of the site in decimal degrees (WGS 84). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-64.62820
    Maximum:-64.60891
    Units:decimal degrees
    Buck_Island_Reef_Benthic_Data.csv
    CSV file with the percent cover of corals and other benthos at 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Sector
    The sites were divided evenly between two regions, or "sectors" of the reef - North and South - which represented distinct reef habitats and hydrodynamic regimes. This attribute indicates the sector in which each site is located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    NorthThe site is located north of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    SouthThe site is located south of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    Habitat
    The reef habitat type in which of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument were located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    RCThe site is in a reef-crest (RC) habitat; the shallowest part of the reef.
    FRThe site is in a fore-reef (FR) habitat; offshore and in deeper water than the reef crest.
    BRThe site is in a back-reef (BR) habitat; inshore of the reef crest.
    Site
    A unique identifier for each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS) A unique site identifier that combines the geographic location of the site around Buck Island National Monument (E=east, N=north, or S=south), a site number (1-6) for each geographic location, and the habitat type (RC=reef crest, FR=fore reef, or BR=back reef).
    Photograph number
    A unique number for each photograph analyzed along the benthic transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:17
    Units:photograph number
    Benthos
    Coral species or other substrate categories evaluated in each photograph analyzed along the benthic transect at each site surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS) This field includes the Western Atlantic scleractinian coral species (for more information see http://www.coralsoftheworld.org/) that could have been found at the site and other benthic substrate types. The other substrate types include: Articulate calcareous algae, Crustose coralline algae, Halimeda spp. (algae), Fleshy macroalgae, Fuzz (low-relief turf algae), Clionid spp. (sponges), (other) Sponges, Gorgonians, Palythoa spp., (other) Zoanthids, Bare substrate, Rubble, Sand, Shadow, (survey) Tape, Turf (high-relief turf algae), and Unknown (or unidentifiable).
    Percent cover
    The calculated percent cover of each benthic component listed in the "Benthos" column for each photograph analyzed along the benthic transect at each site surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:93.33
    Units:Percent
    Buck_Island_Reef_Parrotfish_Data.csv
    CSV file with the counts of bioeroding parrotfishes along two transects at each of 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Sector
    The sites were divided evenly between two regions, or "sectors" of the reef - North and South - which represented distinct reef habitats and hydrodynamic regimes. This attribute indicates the sector in which each site is located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    NorthThe site is located north of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    SouthThe site is located south of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    Habitat
    The reef habitat type in which of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument were located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    RCThe site is in a reef-crest (RC) habitat; the shallowest part of the reef.
    FRThe site is in a fore-reef (FR) habitat; offshore and in deeper water than the reef crest.
    BRThe site is in a back-reef (BR) habitat; inshore of the reef crest.
    Site
    A unique identifier for each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS) A unique site identifier that combines the geographic location of the site around Buck Island National Monument (E=east, N=north, or S=south), a site number (1-6) for each geographic location, and the habitat type (RC=reef crest, FR=fore reef, or BR=back reef).
    Transect
    The transect number (1 or 2) where bioeroding parrotfish were counted along the benthic transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:2
    Units:USGS
    Taxon
    A list of bioeroding parrotfish taxa that were counted along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    Scarus vetulaThe species name of the western Atlantic queen parrotfish.
    Scarus iseriThe species name of the western Atlantic striped parrotfish.
    Scarus taeniopterusThe species name of the western Atlantic princess parrotfish.
    Scarus spp.Parrotfish species in the genus Scarus other than Sc. vetula, iseri, or taeniopterus or Scarus spp. fishes that could not be identified to species level in the field.
    Sparisoma aurofrenatumThe species name of the western Atlantic redband parrotfish.
    Sparisoma chrysopterumThe species name of the western Atlantic redtail parrotfish.
    Sparisoma rubripinneThe species name of the western Atlantic redfin parrotfish.
    Sparisoma virideThe species name of the western Atlantic stoplight parrotfish.
    Sparisoma spp.Parrotfish species in the genus Sparisoma other than Sp. aurofrenatum, chrysopterum, rubripinne, or viride or Sparisoma spp. fishes that could not be identified to species level in the field.
    Phase
    The life phase of each bioeroding parrotfish taxon that was counted along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    IPIP=Initial Phase. The early adult life phase of parrotfish.
    TPTP=Terminal Phase. The late adult life phase of parrotfish.
    Size class
    The size classes of each bioeroding parrotfish taxon that was counted along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    5-14 cmThe fork length of the parrotfish was between 5 and 14 centimeters (cm).
    15-24 cmThe fork length of the parrotfish was between 15 to 24 centimeters (cm).
    25-34 cmThe fork length of the parrotfish was between 25 to 34 centimeters (cm).
    35-44 cmThe fork length of the parrotfish was between 35 to 44 centimeters (cm).
    45+ cmThe fork length of the parrotfish was greater than or equal to 45 centimeters (cm).
    Count
    The number of each parrotfish taxon observed for each size class and life phase along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:43
    Units:number of individuals observed
    Buck_Island_Reef_Urchin_Data.csv
    CSV file with the counts of bioeroding urchins along two transects at each of 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Sector
    The sites were divided evenly between two regions, or "sectors" of the reef - North and South - which represented distinct reef habitats and hydrodynamic regimes. This attribute indicates the sector in which each site is located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    NorthThe site is located north of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    SouthThe site is located south of 17.788 degrees north latitude (WGS 84).
    Habitat
    The reef habitat type in which the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument were located. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    RCThe site is in a reef-crest (RC) habitat; the shallowest part of the reef.
    FRThe site is in a fore-reef (FR) habitat; offshore and in deeper water than the reef crest.
    BRThe site is in a back-reef (BR) habitat; inshore of the reef crest.
    Site
    A unique identifier for each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS) A unique site identifier that combines the geographic location of the site around Buck Island National Monument (E=east, N=north, or S=south), a site number (1-6) for each geographic location, and the habitat type (RC=reef crest, FR=fore reef, or BR=back reef).
    Taxon
    A list of bioeroding urchin taxa that were counted along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    Diadema antillarumThe western Atlantic long-spined sea urchin.
    Echinometra lucunterThe western Atlantic rock boring urchin.
    Echinometra viridisThe western Atlantic reef urchin.
    Eucidaris tribuloidesThe western Atlantic slate pencil urchin.
    Size class
    The size classes of each bioeroding urchin taxa that was counted along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    0-20 cmThe test diameter of the urchin was between 0 and 20 centimeters (cm).
    20-40 cmThe test diameter of the urchin was between 20 and 40 centimeters (cm).
    40-60 cmThe test diameter of the urchin was between 40 and 60 centimeters (cm).
    60-80 cmThe test diameter of the urchin was between 60 and 80 centimeters (cm).
    80-100 cmThe test diameter of the urchin was between 80 and 100 centimeters (cm).
    Count
    The number of each urchin taxa observed for each size class along each transect at each of the 54 sites surveyed around Buck Island Reef National Monument. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:20
    Units:number of individuals observed

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Toth, Lauren T.
    • Whitcher, Elizabeth M.
    • Aronson, Richard B.
    • Kuffner, Ilsa B.
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Lauren T. Toth
    SOUTHEAST REGION: ST. PETE COASTAL & MARINE SC
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4Th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL
    US

    727-502-8029 (voice)
    ltoth@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

These data were used to estimate coral-reef carbonate budgets (after Perry and others, 2012).

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: 15-Jul-2016 (process 1 of 1)
    At each of the 54 sites, three types of ecological data were collected by SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) divers. First, researchers collected underwater photographs of the reef surface along one 10 meter (m) x 1 m benthic transect, which was used to quantify percent cover by corals and other benthic constituents. From each transect, 9 to 17 non-overlapping photographs were input into the web-based point-count program CoralNet (https://coralnet.ucsd.edu/), where researchers identified the benthos at 75 points placed randomly on each image. The researchers then calculated the percent cover of individual benthic constituents for each transect as the arithmetic mean of percent cover across the analyzed frames. Second, along the same 10 m x 1 m transect, researchers counted the number of bioeroding urchins from four species (Echinometra lucunter, Echinometra viridis, Diadema antillarium, and Eucidaris tribuloides) and five size classes based on test size (0–20 millimeter [mm], 21–40 mm, 41–60 mm, 61–80 mm, and 81–100 mm) (after Perry and others, 2012). Third, visual census data of seven species of parrotfish (Scarus vetula, Scarus taeniopterus, Scarus iserti, Sparisoma viride, Sparisoma aurofrenatum, Sparisoma rubripinne, and Sparisoma chrysopterum) were collected along two 30 m x 4 m transects, spaced at a minimum of 10 meters apart at each site. The parrotfish observations for each species were recorded for each of eight size class (based on fork length) and two life phase categories (Initial Phase: 5-14 centimeters [cm], 15-24 cm, 25-34 cm, and 35-44 cm; Terminal Phase: 15-24 cm, 25-34 cm, 35-44 cm, and >44 cm; after Perry and others, 2012).
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Perry, Chris, Murphy, Gary, Edinger, Evan, Kench, Paul, Mumby, Peter, Smithers, Scott, and Steneck, Bob, 2012, ReefBudget: Methodology: University of Exeter, Online.

    Online Links:

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    No formal attribute accuracy tests were conducted.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    No formal positional accuracy tests were conducted.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    No formal positional accuracy tests were conducted.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Data set is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    No formal logical accuracy tests were conducted.

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 None
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Lauren T. Toth
    SOUTHEAST REGION: ST. PETE COASTAL & MARINE SC
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4Th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL
    US

    727-502-8029 (voice)
    ltoth@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system, or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The USGS shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described or contained herein. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 20-Sep-2022
Metadata author:
Lauren T. Toth
SOUTHEAST REGION: ST. PETE COASTAL & MARINE SC
Research Physical Scientist
600 4Th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL
US

727-502-8029 (voice)
ltoth@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/spcmsc/Buck_Island_Reef_Census_Metadata.faq.html>
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