Find research datasets worth reusing

openCC (other)Apr 2025View details →

MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Community Dynamics: Backreef (Lagoon) Corals Annual Survey, ongoing since 2005

This dataset contains the percentage cover of all stony corals (Scleractinia, pooled among genera) and other major groups analyzed from 0.5 x 0.5 m photographic quadrats at the Backreef habitat at the Moorea Coral Reef LTER, French Polynesia. This survey time series began in 2005 and is repeated each year in April. Functional groups counted are: Scleractinian corals, Macroalgae, Crustose Coralline Algae / Bare Space, Soft Corals, Hydrocorals ( Millepora ), Algal Turf and Sand. The coral community was sampled photographically in all represented habitats surrounding the island: Fringing Reef, Lagoon, and Outer Reef. This dataset contains only Lagoon (Backreef) data (see knb-lter-mcr.4 for the other habitats) and is structured in a repeated-measures protocol to allow a statistical contrast of sites, shores and times. Community structure was determined through a coarse analysis of the benthic community, initially completed in situ (2005), but using photoquadrats from 2006. There are quadrats analyzed at each of five areas within each site, and the areas are revisited (but not the quadrats) each year to support the repeated measures design. There are two tables available, providing different views of the same data: a long table having all values in one column and a wide table having a separate column for each observed object. Detailed methods are available in the protocols section.

openCC (other)Jan 2026View details →

MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Corals, ongoing since 2005

This dataset contains the percentage cover of the stony corals (Scleractinia) and other major groups analyzed from 0.5 x 0.5 m photographic quadrats in several reef habitats at the Moorea Coral Reef LTER, French Polynesia. This survey has been repeated annually in April since 2005. There are two tables available, providing different views of the same data: a long table having all values in one column and a wide table having a separate column for each dependent variable. Functional groups (i.e., dependent variables) counted are: Scleractinian Corals (by genus where appropriate, see methods), Macroalgae, Crustose Coralline Algae / Bare Space, Soft Corals, Hydrocorals (Millepora), Algal Turf, and Sand. The coral community was sampled photographically in all habitats surrounding the island: Fringing Reef, Lagoon (Backreef), and Outer Reef (Forereef.) The sampling regime consists of a repeated-measures protocol in each habitat and is structured by habitat to allow a statistical contrast of sites, shores, times, and in the case of the outer reef, depths. Detailed methods are available in the protocols section.

openCC (other)Apr 2025View details →

MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Coral Community Dynamics: Coral Recruitment

These data describe the recruitment of scleractinian corals to unglazed terracotta tiles secured independently to horizontal reef surfaces. The tiles are positioned horizontally to create a cryptic habitat beneath (approximately 1 cm high) and are in place approximately 6 months at a time; they are replaced ca. January and September. The tiles are bleached and inspected for coral skeletons using a dissecting microscope. Coral recruits are resolved to three families (Poritidae, Acroporidae, Pocilloporidae, and "others") and are scored on upper, lower and side surfaces. Data are available for the back reef (2006-present) and outer reef (2007-present).

openCC (other)Apr 2025View details →

MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Fishes, ongoing since 2005

These data describe the estimated species abundances and individual sizes of fishes surveyed in late July or early August of each year by researchers associated with the Moorea Coral Reef Long Term Ecological Research site. This study began in 2005, and the dataset is updated annually. Divers using SCUBA estimate the number and total length (total body length to the greatest precision possible) of all mobile and semi-cryptic fishes observed on four 50m long transects within each of the three principal habitat types, fore reef, back reef, and fringing reef, found around Moorea. These three habitats are each surveyed at six permanently marked sites, two sites on each of Moorea's three shores, yielding a total of 18 unique habitats (3) by location (6) combinations and 72 transects. Estimated total lengths are converted to estimates of species biomass using published length-weight relationships for each species. Data from the initial survey conducted in 2005 are presented in a separate data table as the protocol used in 2005 differed from the standard protocol adopted in 2006, and no estimates of fish body lengths were made in 2005. These data are a component of the MCR LTER core time series program and provide insight into the spatial and temporal patterns of reef fish abundance and biomass around the island of Moorea, French Polynesia.

openCC (other)Nov 2025View details →

MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Other Benthic Invertebrates, ongoing since 2005

The data presented here are the abundances of the major invertebrate herbivores and corallivores on Moorea coral reefs. Abundances are estimated in 4 fixed quadrats along 5 permanent transects at each of 4 habitats at 2 sites on each of the 3 shores of Moorea each year. Counts are made in one-meter-squared quadrats.

MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Benthic Algae and Other Community Components, ongoing since 2005

Coral reefs are comprised of scleractinian corals and many other benthic organims. The sampling described here quantifies the relative abundances of corals (aggregate abundance) and the other major benthic components including algal turfs, macroalgae, crustose corallines, and other sessile invertebrates. Abundance is estimated yearly at each of 6 sites (2 per shore) around the island. At each site, and in each of 4 habitats (fringing reef, backreef, forereef 10-m depth, forereef 17-m depth), 5 permanent 10-m long transects have been established and abundance estimates are made at fixed positions along each transect (n=10, 0.25 m2 quadrats per transect) allowing a repeated measures statistical analysis for the detection of temporal trends.

SBC LTER: Reef: Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Cover of bottom substrate and sand depth

These data describe the percent cover of eight bottom substrate types as determined by a uniform point contact method. The type of bottom substrate is recorded at 80 uniformly spaced points along permanent 40m x 2m transects. Percent cover of each substrate type on a transect is estimated as the proportion of the 80 points contacted by that substrate type x 100. In cases where the substrate type is sand, the depth of the sand is measured. These data are part of the SBC LTER’s time series observations of kelp forest dynamics, which began in 2000 and was designed to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity of reef-associated organisms in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA. The sampling locations in this dataset include nine reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel and two on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. These 11 sites were chosen to reflect the wide range of oceanographic conditions present in the Channel and proximity to sources of terrestrial runoff. Data are collected at each site once per year in summer and this dataset is updated annually. The time period of data collection varied among the 11 reef sites. Sampling at BULL, CARP, and NAPL began in 2000, sampling at the other 6 mainland sites (AHND, AQUE, IVEE, GOLB, ABUR, MOHK) began in 2001 (transects 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 at IVEE were added in 2011). Data collection at the two Santa Cruz Island sites (SCTW and SCDI) began in 2004. The two tables in this data package include: 1) The percent cover of eight bottom substrate types; and 2) the sand depth of each sampling point (sand depth = 0 if substrate type ≠sand).

SBC LTER: Reef: Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Cover of sessile organisms, Uniform Point Contact

These data describe the cover of sessile invertebrates, understory macroalgae, and bottom substrate types as determined by a uniform point contact method. The presence of over 150 taxa of sessile invertebrates and macroalgae are recorded at 80 uniformly spaced points along permanent 40m x 2m transects. Multiple species can be recorded at any given point. Percent cover of a given species on a transect can be estimated from UPC observations as the fraction of total points at which that species was present x 100. The total percent cover of all species combined using this method can exceed 100%; however, the percent cover of any single species cannot exceed 100%. These data are part of SBC LTERs kelp forest monitoring program, which began in 2000 and was designed to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity of reef-associated organisms in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA. The sampling locations in this dataset include nine reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel and at two sites on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. These sites reflect several oceanographic regimes in the channel and vary in distance from sources of terrestrial runoff. Data collection began in 2000 and this dataset is updated annually. The time period of data collection varied among the 11 kelp forest sites. Sampling at BULL, CARP, and NAPL began in 2000, sampling at the other 6 mainland sites (AHND, AQUE, IVEE, GOLB, ABUR, MOHK) began in 2001 (transects 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 at IVEE were added in 2011). Data collection at the two Santa Cruz Island sites (SCTW and SCDI) began in 2004. See Methods for more information. The two tables in this data package include: 1) The percent cover of sessile invertebrate and understory macroalage; and 2) the percent cover of bottom substrate.

SBC LTER: Reef: Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Fish abundance

These data describe the abundance and size of fish species as part of SBCLTER's kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. This study began in 2000 in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA. The abundance and size of all taxa of resident kelp forest fish encountered along permanent transects are recorded at nine reef sites located along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel and at two sites on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. These sites reflect several oceanographic regimes in the channel and vary in distance from sources of terrestrial runoff. In these surveys, fish were counted in either a 40x2m benthic quadrat, or in the water parcel 0-2m off the bottom over the same area. The table in this data package documented the annual benthic fish community survey which was conducted once a year around late July or early August. The time period of data collection for the annual benthic fish community survey varied among the 11 kelp forest sites. Sampling at BULL, CARP, and NAPL began in 2000, sampling at the other 6 mainland sites (AHND, AQUE, IVEE, GOLB, ABUR, MOHK) began in 2001 (transects 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 at IVEE were added in 2011). Data collection at the two Santa Cruz Island sites (SCTW and SCDI) began in 2004. The monthly fish survey at ABUR (Transect 1, 2, and 3), AQUE (Transect1), and MOHK (Transect 1) in 2002. The Transect 2 and 3 at ABUR were discontinued in June 2006. See Methods for more information.

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Detritus biomass

These data describe the abundance of macroalgal detritus (grams wet mass m-2) as part of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. Detritus was collected in six permanent 1 m2 quadrats positioned uniformly along 40 m transects in each sampling plot. Sample collections were brought back to the laboratory, identified to species and weighed wet. The seasonal surveys were initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel, California, US.

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Urchin size frequency distribution

These data describe the size frequency distribution of red (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) and purple (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) sea urchins within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. The diameter of the test (shell without spines) was recorded to the nearest 0.5 cm for 50 red and 50 purple sea urchins located within a 40 m x 2 m area of each plot. Size frequency data of red and purple sea urchins are not collected in the continual kelp removal plots. When combined with size-mass relationships established in the laboratory these data were used to provide a non-destructive, in situ estimate of the dry mass per unit area of bottom for each species. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Cover of sessile organisms, Uniform Point Contact

These data describe the percent cover of sessile invertebrates and understory macroalgae within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. Percent cover was determined using a uniform point contact method that consists of noting the identity and relative vertical position of all organisms under 80 uniformly placed points located within a 1 m wide band centered on permanent 40 m transects in each sampling plot. Each species may only be recorded once per point. Using this method, the percent cover of all species combined may exceed 100%, however, the maximum percent cover possible for any single species cannot exceed 100%. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Cover of bottom substrate and sand depth

These data describe the percent cover of eight bottom substrate types within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. The type of bottom substrate was recorded at 80 uniformly spaced points along permanent 40m x 2m transects. Percent cover of each substrate type on transect was estimated as the proportion of the 80 points contacted by the substrate type x 100. In cases where the substrate type was sand, the depth of the sand was measured. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel. The two tables in this data package include: 1) The percent cover of eight bottom substrate types; and 2) the sand depth of each sampling point (sand depth = 0 if substrate type is not sand)

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Abundance and size of Giant Kelp

These data describe the abundance and size of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. The number of giant kelp > 1 m tall were recorded within four contiguous 20 m x 1m permanent plots located within a 40 m x 2 m area. The number of fronds > 1 m tall were counted for each individual and used as an estimate of its size. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Fish abundance

These data describe the abundance and size of reef-associated fish within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. The number, size and species identity of reef fish were recorded within a 2 m wide swath centered along a 40 m long transect extending up to 2 m off the bottom. Fish size was measured as total length estimated to the nearest cm. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

SBC LTER: Reef: Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Abundance and size of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera), ongoing since 2000

These data describe the abundance of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, and are part of the SBCLTER kelp forest monitoring program. The study was initiated in 2000, in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA, and this dataset is updated once per year. The number and size (number of fronds and diameter of holdfasts) of plants were recorded along permanent transects at nine reef sites located along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel and at two sites on the north side Santa Cruz Island. These sites reflect several oceanographic regimes in the channel and vary in distance from sources of terrestrial runoff. The time period of data collection varied among the 11 kelp forest sites. Sampling at BULL, CARP, and NAPL began in 2000, sampling at the other 6 mainland sites (AHND, AQUE, IVEE, GOLB, ABUR, MOHK) began in 2001 (transects 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 at IVEE were added in 2011). Data collection at the two Santa Cruz Island sites (SCTW and SCDI) began in 2004. See Methods for more information.

SBC LTER: Reef: Seasonal Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Invertebrate and algal density

These data describe the abundance of common reef associated species of macro invertebrates and macroalgae within permanent plots of SBCLTER's seasonal kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity. The number of individuals of approximately 50 taxa were recorded by divers along 40 m transects within each plot. Small species of macroalgae and macinvertebrates were counted within six permanent 1 m2 quadrats positioned uniformly along the 40 m transect, while larger species were counted within four contiguous 20 m2 sub-sections of each 40 m x 2 m transect. Also included at the quadrat scale are estimates of an average size-related measurement of each species, which was developed specifically for each species for the purpose of estimating its biomass. The experiment was initiated in 2008 at five reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel.

SBC LTER: Reef: Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Invertebrate and algal density

These data describe the density and size of a select group of about 50 species of benthic invertebrates and understory algae in fixed plots (either 1m x 1m or 20m x 1m) along permanent transects. These data are part of SBCLTER’s kelp forest monitoring program to track long-term patterns in species abundance and diversity of reef-associated organisms in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, USA. The sampling locations in this dataset are at nine reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel and at two sites on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. These sites reflect several oceanographic regimes in the channel and vary in distance from sources of terrestrial runoff. Sampling began in 2000, and these data are updated annually. The time period of data collection varied among the 11 kelp forest sites. Sampling at BULL, CARP, and NAPL began in 2000, sampling at the other 6 mainland sites (AHND, AQUE, IVEE, GOLB, ABUR, MOHK) began in 2001 (transects 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 at IVEE were added in 2011). Data collection at the two Santa Cruz Island sites (SCTW and SCDI) began in 2004. See Methods for more information. See Methods for more information.

SBC LTER: Reef: Kelp Forest Community Dynamics: Transect geospatial metadata

The data table provides summaries of depth information (mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation) for all of the transects surveyed as part of the SBC LTER Kelp Forest Monitoring program. All data are expressed in meters, reference to mean lower low water (MLLW). Each value is the result of 160 observations, four at each meter (n=160). The sampling locations in this dataset are 40 meter transects at nine reef sites along the mainland coast of the Santa Barbara Channel and at two sites on the north side of Santa Cruz Island. The PDF document provides descriptive information of the transect such as headings and relative locations of the points along the transect. Data were recorded in 2010 and 2011, except that IVEE transect 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were recorded in 2024.