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2018 Flower Garden Banks-Stetson Bank Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest and Mesophotic Benthic and Fish Communities (NCEI Accession 0239376)

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This dataset contains raw and processed data from an annual long-term monitoring study that documents the benthic and fish community changes at Stetson Bank, in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Stetson Bank is an uplifted claystone/siltstone feature, located 75 nautical miles from Galveston, TX in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, that supports a well-developed benthic community of scleractinian coral and tropical marine sponges. Due to a wide range of temperatures and variable light availability, Stetson Bank has marginal environmental conditions for coral reef development and growth. The fish community is similar to other Caribbean reefs but has comparatively lower diversity.

Monitoring has occurred on the bank crest (17-34 m) of the site since 1993. Bank crest monitoring includes random transect and repetitive photostation photographs of the benthos to estimate percent cover of major taxonomic groups (e.g., coral, sponge, algae). Benthic photographs are analyzed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) and output into Microsoft Excel worksheets. These data are analyzed for temporal community changes in Primer. Fish census surveys are conducted annually using a modified Bohnsack and Bannerot stationary method, both at random and repetitive sites. Fish data are recorded in Microsoft Excel worksheets. Primer software is used to identify any temporal shifts that occur in the fish community. Water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, turbidity, nutrients) are measured with moored conductivity temperature depth (CTD) instruments and quarterly profiles of the water column are performed. Temperature and salinity data are reduced to report daily averages.

Monitoring efforts were expanded in 2015 (to present) to include the deeper mesophotic habitat (34-64 m) surrounding the bank crest using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Mesophotic monitoring includes random transect and repetitive photostation photographs of the benthos to estimate percent cover of major taxonomic groups (e.g., coral, sponge, algae). Repetitive photostation images are only assessed using qualitative summaries of key species identified in 2015 during installation. Random transect photographs are analyzed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) and output into Microsoft Excel worksheets. These data are analyzed for temporal community changes in Primer. Fish census surveys are conducted annually in conjunction with benthic transect surveys. Fish data are recorded in Microsoft Excel worksheets. Primer software is used to identify any temporal shifts that occur in the fish community.

The bank crest benthic community at Stetson Bank has undergone several significant shifts, changing from a habitat predominated by hydrocoral and sponges to one of macroalgae and sponges. The fish community on the bank crest has varied annually. Exotic fish species are present at the bank, including lionfish (Pterois volitans/P. miles) and regal demoiselle (Neopomacentrus cyanomos). Fluctuations in oceanic conditions, macroalgae cover, and continued annual variation in fish communities were documented.
  • Cite as: Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2021). 2018 Flower Garden Banks-Stetson Bank Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest and Mesophotic Benthic and Fish Communities (NCEI Accession 0239376). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0239376. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:0239376
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Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 2017-10-31 to 2019-06-11
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -94.30811767
East: -94.28722273
South: 28.15705383
North: 28.17522351
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Associated Resources
  • Stetson Bank Long-term Monitoring: 2018 Annual Report
    • NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
      This document contains descriptions of the methods used, summaries of the field notes recorded, and highlights of significant observations made during the 2018 annual long- term monitoring efforts of fish and benthic communities at Stetson Bank, including the arrival of a new exotic species, Neopomacentrus cyanomos. Processed results and statistical analyses from this study will be reported in combination with the previous four years of data (2015 – 2018) in a synthesis report to follow.
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2021-11-09
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed - NCEI Accession 0239376 was revised and a new version of the archival package was published. Updates to existing archival packages may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. The latest version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession. Please see journal.txt in the /about directory for additional details on changes made.
Supplemental Information
This package data mostly consists of 2018 data with some from late 2017 and early 2019.

In this accession, NCEI has archived multiple versions of these data. The latest (and best) version of these data has the largest version number.
Purpose Since 1995, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, has monitored the health of the reefs at Stetson Bank. The monitoring effort is designed to assess the health of the reefs through the evaluation of changes in living coral and other benthic community cover, coral growth rates, reef fish population dynamics, water quality, benthic contamination, and other indices of reef vitality. The assessment allows detection of changes in the reef communities, including detection of possible anthropogenic influence (specifically oil and gas impacts).
Use Limitations
  • accessLevel: Public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2021). 2018 Flower Garden Banks-Stetson Bank Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest and Mesophotic Benthic and Fish Communities (NCEI Accession 0239376). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0239376. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
Principal Investigators
Contributors
Resource Providers
Publishers
Acknowledgments
  • Funding Agency: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
  • Funding Agency: US DOC; NOAA; NOS; ONMS; Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords Provider Keywords
  • ALTIMETER
  • BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC)
  • BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST)
  • CORAL
  • Coral Reef Studies
  • FISH CENSUS (MESOPHOTIC)
  • FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST)
  • VIDEO TRANSECT
  • WATER QUALITY (MOORED)
  • WATER QUALITY (PROFILES)
  • WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES)
  • algae - species identification
  • coral - species identification
  • sponge - species identification
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
Platform keywords Provider Platform Names
  • R/V Manta
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords Provider Instrument Names
  • CTD
  • CTD - moored CTD
  • photograph
  • swimmer/diver
  • video camera
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords Provider Place Names
  • Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Stetson Bank
Project keywords NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Provider Project Names
  • Coral Reef Studies
  • LONG TERM MONITORING EAST-WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS (DOI/MMS)
  • LONG-TERM MONITORING AT THE EAST AND WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS (FLOWER GARDENS - DOI/MMS)
  • Long Term Monitoring at Stetson Bank Flower Garden Banks
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Keywords Send2NCEI Submission Package ID
  • YFCLXT
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2021). 2018 Flower Garden Banks-Stetson Bank Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest and Mesophotic Benthic and Fish Communities (NCEI Accession 0239376). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0239376. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • 2021-11-09T19:30:21Z - NCEI Accession 0239376 v1.1 was published.
  • 2023-09-21T14:06:33Z - NCEI Accession 0239376 was revised and v2.2 was published.
    Rationale: Access to this revision of this accession has been limited, and full and open access is not available at this time. As acknowledged in NOAA Administrative Order 212-15, some data archived at NCEI may have specific access constraints that are mutually agreed upon and documented by the Data Producer / Data Provider and NCEI.
Output Datasets
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Percent Cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Bank crest repetitive photostations were selected within an area of dense high relief features harboring diverse benthic communities and marked by scuba divers using nails or eyebolts and numbered tags. Permanent mooring buoys 1, 2, and 3 were used for this study to enable easy access to the site by scuba divers. Repetitive photostations were installed on biologically interesting locations on high relief habitat, which included sites with scleractinian corals and sponges. In 1993, a total of 36 permanent photostations were installed. Over time several of these stations have been lost due to the dynamic environment at Stetson Bank (e.g., algal overgrowth, storm impacts, and fragile substrate). To maintain a sufficient number of repetitive photostation sites, new stations have been established, as needed, following the same selection criteria. Each station is located by scuba divers and photographed annually. Images were captured using a Sony A6500 digital camera in a Nauticam NA-A6500 housing with a Nikkor Nikonos 15 mm underwater lens mounted to a T-frame set at 1.75 m from the substrate, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1.2 m apart. A set of lasers were mounted to the pole of the T-frame, fixed at 30 cm, for spatial scale reference. To ensure repeatability of the area captured in each image, a compass and bubble level were mounted to the center of the T-frame to allow images to be taken in a vertical and northward orientation. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Thirty points were randomly overlaid on each image and the benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC) (measured); Units: Qualitative; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Mesophotic permanent repetitive photostations were installed by ROV at biologically interesting sites ranging from 35.8 to 54.7 m depth. Locations were selected along hard bottom features in both coralline algae and deep reef habitat using historical ROV data. Photostations were physical marked with concrete block (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm x 15.2 cm) weighing 25 kg in air. The latitude and longitude of each site were recorded using the ROVs navigation system. Subsequently, the recorded latitude and longitude were used to locate each station. To create repeatable images annually, each station was assigned a heading from which the ROV oriented itself and collected high definition video imagery of the site, with the marker in view, and the original site images used for reference. From this video, still frames for each repetitive station were extracted. A downward facing photograph of each station was also captured, with the ROV positioned directly above the station marker, approximately 1 m above the bottom. The SubAtlantic Mohawk 18 ROV, owned by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) and FGBNMS, and operated by University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Undersea Vehicle Program (UNCW-UVP), was used. The ROV was equipped with an Insite Pacific Mini Zeus II HD video camera with two Deep Sea Power & Light 3100 LED lights, a tool skid with an ECA Robotics five-function all-electric manipulator, and two parallel spot lasers set at 10cm in both the video and still camera frames for scale. Qualitative summaries of still frame image from the high definition video and downward facing still camera were conducted using ImageJ and Microsoft Excel. In 2015, key features were identified in each imaged and outlined using a color-coded key in Adobe Illustrator (e.g., scleractinian coral colonies). Key biological features were assigned a code using the first two letters of the genus and species name, along with a unique number for the image. (e.g., StIn_1 = Stephanocoenia intersepta colony 1). Measurements of key stony coral, octocoral, and black coral specimens were made using ImageJ and the reference scale lasers. Key features were compared between subsequent years, when possible. Comparisons document the loss, reduction, or expansion of key features and changes in general condition.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC) (measured); Units: Percent Cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Transect sites were selected within potential hard bottom habitat to exclude soft bottom habitat. Habitat was defined using 2 m resolution bathymetry raster with focal statistics calculated for range (minimum to maximum depth) within a 5 m x 5 m rectangle. Cells with a depth range >1 m were identified as potential habitat. A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to depths greater than those conducted by scuba divers on the bank crest. Annually, 30 survey sites were randomly generated within mesophotic habitat, distributed proportionality by area between habitats: 15 in coralline algae reef and 15 in deep reef. The same SubAtlantic Mohawk 18 ROV described in Field Methods for repetitive photostations was used. Images were collected with the ROV still camera facing downward, perpendicular to the substrate. Transects started at each of the random drop sites and continued for 10-minutes along hard bottom habitat while the ROV traveled at one meter above the bottom, at a speed of approximately 1 knot per hour, taking downward facing images every 30 seconds. Mesophotic transects images were processed to remove silted, shadowed, out of focus, or soft bottom images (images with <50% hard bottom). If a transect did not have at least nine useable images, it was removed from the analysis. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Five hundred points per transect were distributed evenly amongst images and then randomly overlaid on each image. The benthos lying directly under each point was identified. Habitats are based on definitions in Schmahl G.P., Hickerson E.L., Precht W.F. (2008) Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs and Coral Communities in the Flower Garden Banks Region, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. In: Riegl B.M., Dodge R.E. (eds) Coral Reefs of the USA. Coral Reefs of the World, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6847-8_6; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Percent cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Transect sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. A still camera, mounted on a 0.65 m T-frame with a bubble level and strobes, was used to capture non-overlapping images of the reef, where each image captured approximately 0.8 x 0.6 m (0.48 m^2). Each transect was designed to capture 8.16 m^2 of benthic habitat, therefore requiring 17 images. Spooled fiberglass 15 m measuring tapes with 17 pre-marked intervals (every 0.8 m) were used as guides, providing a 0.2 m buffer between each image to prevent overlap. A Canon Power Shot® G11 digital camera in an Ikelite® housing with a 28 mm equivalent wet mount lens adaptor, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1 m apart on the T-frame, was used. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Five hundred points per transect were distributed evenly amongst images and then randomly overlaid on each image. The benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: Density (#/100 m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Scuba divers, using the modified Bohnsack and Bannerot (1986) stationary visual fish census technique, restricted observations to an imaginary cylinder with a radius of 7.5 m, extending from the benthos to the surface. All fish species observed within the first five minutes of the survey were recorded as the diver slowly rotated in place above the bottom. Immediately following this five-minute observation period, one rotation was conducted for each species noted in the original five-minute period to record abundance (number of individuals per species) and fork length (within size bins). Size was binned into eight groups; <5 cm, ≥5 to <10 cm, ≥10 to <15 cm, ≥15 to <20 cm, ≥20 to <25 cm, ≥25 to <30 cm, ≥30 to <35 cm. If fish were >35 cm, each individual size was recorded based on visual estimation by divers. Divers carried a 1 m PVC pole marked in 10 cm increments to provide a reference for size estimation. Each survey required, at minimum, 15 minutes to complete. Transitory or schooling species were counted and measured at the time they moved through the cylinder during the initial five-minute period. Notes on the habitat within each survey area were obtained, including information on benthic relief Surveys began after sunrise and were repeated throughout the day until dusk. There were two survey types: Random and Repetitive. Random survey start location were selected in conjuction with random transects. Survey sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. Repetitive survey sites were co-located with select benthic repetitive photostations where the station marker was the center of the fish survey cylinder. Counts were converted to density per 100m^2; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (MESOPHOTIC) (measured); Units: Density (#/100 m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: video camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Fish were visually assessed by ROV using forward facing video footage obtained from mesophotic random transects. Observations of fish were restricted to the field of view of the ROV’s forward facing high definition video camera. Transect sites were selected within potential hard bottom habitat to exclude soft bottom habitat. Habitat was defined using 2 m resolution bathymetry raster with focal statistics calculated for range (minimum to maximum depth) within a 5 m x 5 m rectangle. Cells with a depth range >1 m were identified as potential habitat. A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to depths greater than those conducted by scuba divers on the bank crest. Sites were randomly generated within mesophotic habitat, distributed proportionality by area between habitats: 15 in coralline algae reef and 15 in deep reef. The SubAtlantic Mohawk 18 ROV was used. Transects started at each of the random drop sites and continued for 10-minutes along hard bottom habitat while the ROV traveled at one meter above the bottom, at a speed of approximately 1 knot per hour. Counts were converted to density per 100m^2. Habitats are based on definitions in Schmahl G.P., Hickerson E.L., Precht W.F. (2008) Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs and Coral Communities in the Flower Garden Banks Region, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. In: Riegl B.M., Dodge R.E. (eds) Coral Reefs of the USA. Coral Reefs of the World, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6847-8_6.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: VIDEO TRANSECT (measured); Units: N/A; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: video camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Video transects were conducted along three permanent 100 m transects. Each transect was marked using eyebolts every 25 m. Bolts were marked with the transect number and the eyebolt position along the transect. Transect start locations are available on the site maps. Before recording on video, a line was laid between the eyebolts to mark the transect. Video was recorded using a Sony® Handycam® HDR-CX350 HD video camera in a Light and Motion® Stingray G2® housing. A two-meter-long plumb bob was secured to the front of the camera housing to maintain distance above the bottom. The diver swam along the transect line, following the line with the plumb bob, maintaining the camera at a 45o angle to the seafloor.; Data Quality Method: N/A
  • Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (MOORED) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD - moored CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water temperature and salinity on the crest of Stetson Bank (24 m), was collected continuously using a Sea-Bird® Electronics Inc. 16plus V2 CTD, equipped with a WET Labs ECO NTUS turbidity meter. The loggers were installed on a large railroad wheel in the midsection of the bank crest. The instrument was downloaded quarterly and factory service of the instrument was performed annually. Onset® Computer Corporation HOBO® Pro v2 U22-001 thermographs were used as a backup to the Sea-Bird instrument and recorded temperature on an hourly basis. A HOBO® thermograph deployed at the 30 m station, located on the northerly edge of the bank crest, recorded temperature hourly. Another HOBO® thermograph was installed at 40 m, also along the northern edge of the bank crest, to record temperature hourly. The loggers were downloaded and maintained on a quarterly basis. The HOBO® thermistors were attached to eyebolts embedded in the substrate. Due to instrument download schedule, some data from the previous and subsequent year are included in this data package. All measurements were later processed to daily averages.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (PROFILES) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; pH; DO; turbidity; fluorescence; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water column profiles were collected using a Sea-Bird Electronics 19plus V2 to record temperature, salinity, pH (on NBS scale), turbidity, fluorescence, and dissolved oxygen (DO) every ¼ second during the column profiles. Data were recorded following an initial soaking period, on the down cast phase of each deployment, while the CTD was brought to the surface at a rate <1 m/sec.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
  • Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES) (measured); Units: variety; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water samples for nutrient and seawater carbonate chemistry parameters were collected quarterly. Samples were collected using a sampling carousel equipped with a Sea-Bird® Electronics 19plus V2 CTD and six OceanTest® Corporation 2.5 liter Niskin bottles, with bottles activated at specific depths. When this instrument was not available due to maintenance or operational issues, samples were collected using a manually triggered handheld Niskin bottle, lowered on a measured line. Each quarter, three nutrient samples, with one replicate for each depth, were collected near the seafloor (approximately 20 m depth), mid-water (10 m depth) and near the surface (1 m depth). Ocean carbonate samples were collected at identical depth intervals, with one replicate collected with the surface (1 m) sample. Once samples were collected, subsamples were transferred as follows: chlorophyll-a subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml brown glass containers with no preservatives; reactive soluble phosphorous subsamples were placed in 250 ml white plastic bottles with no preservatives; and ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and total nitrogen subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml white plastic bottles and preserved with sulfuric acid. Within minutes of sampling, labeled sample containers were stored on ice at 4 °C and a chain of custody was initiated for processing at an EPA certified laboratory. The samples were transported and delivered to A&B Laboratories in Houston, TX within twenty-four hours of collection. Water samples for seawater carbonate chemistry measurements were collected following methods requested by the Carbon Cycle Laboratory (CCL) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Samples were collected in ground neck borsilicate glass bottles. Bottles were filled using a 30 cm plastic tube connected to the filler valve of the Niskin bottle. Bottles were rinsed three times using the sample water, filled carefully to reduce bubble formation, and overflowed by at least 200 ml. A total of100 μl of saturated HgCl2was added to each bottle, which was then capped and the stopped was sealed with Apiezon® grease and secured with a rubber band. The bottles were then inverted vigorously to ensure homogeneous distribution of HgCl2. Samples were then stored at 4 °C and sent to CCL at TAMU-CC, in Corpus Christi, TX. Each sample was analyzed for pH, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), saturation state with respect to aragonite (Ωaragonite).; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • CTD
  • CTD - moored CTD
  • photograph
  • swimmer/diver
  • video camera
Last Modified: 2025-05-16T15:33:17Z
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