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Quantification of epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass leaves in Culebra, Puerto Rico, from surveys conducted from 2023-08-07 to 2024-02-05 (NCEI Accession 0306699)

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This record provides estimates of epiphyte biomass accumulation (mg/cm2/day) on artificial seagrass leaves at 13 monitoring stations in Ensenada Honda and Puerto Manglar in the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo; Figuerola-Hernandez, Miguel; Sanchez, Juan; Figueroa-Sanchez, Yasiel; Vandiver, Lisa (2025). Quantification of epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass leaves in Culebra, Puerto Rico, from surveys conducted from 2023-08-07 to 2024-02-05 (NCEI Accession 0306699). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/a782-8g03. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0306699

Full Text · XML

Download Data	HTTPS (download) Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. FTP (download) These data are available through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is no longer supported by most internet browsers. You may copy and paste the FTP link to the data into an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP).
Distribution Formats	CSV PNG
Ordering Instructions	Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
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	2023-08-07 to 2023-11-07
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -65.308333 East: -65.244444 South: 18.288611 North: 18.313888
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation

NCEI Dataset Landing Page
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Descriptive Information
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Associated Resources

Virnstein, R.W., and Curran, M.C. (1986). Colonization of artificial seagrass versus time and distance from source. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 29: 297-288, 143-158. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps029279
- https://doi.org/10.3354/meps029279
  Related journal article containing methodology used
Stoner, A.W. (1980). The role of seagrass biomass in the organization of benthic macrofaunal assemblages. Bulletin of Marine Science, 30: 537-551
- https://ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/1980/00000030/00000003/art0001
  Related journal article
Frankovich, T.A., and Fourqurean, J.W. (1997). Seagrass epiphyte loads along a nutrient availability gradient, Florida Bay, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 150: 37-50, 143-158. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps159037
- https://doi.org/10.3354/meps159037
  Related journal article
Nelson, W.G. (2017). Development of an epiphyte indicator of nutrient enrichment: A crticial evaluation of observational and experimental studies. Ecological Indicators, 79: 207-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034
  Related journal article
Vargas-Ángel, B. (2024). Culebra Seagrass Monitoring Work Plan. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program: The Coral Program Watershed Management Activities; Puerto Rico, Culebra.
- https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/coris/library/NOAA/CRCP/NMFS/OHC/Projects/30033/Culebra_LBSP_RidgeToReef_Monitoring_Program/Vargas-Angel2024e_Seagrass_Monitoring_Transects_WorkPlan.pdf
  Related report

Publication Dates	publication: 2025-08-11 creation: 2025-07-29
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
Purpose	The goal of this study was to test whether metrics of epiphyte load accumulation on seagrass leaves can be used as a biological response indicator for nutrient impacts on Culebra's nearshore habitats. More specifically identify the presence of spatial patterns and examine potential linkages with nearshore water quality conditions in locations where upland watershed restoration interventions have been implemented vs. locations where no interventions have been conducted.
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: Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo; Figuerola-Hernandez, Miguel; Sanchez, Juan; Figueroa-Sanchez, Yasiel; Vandiver, Lisa (2025). Quantification of epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass leaves in Culebra, Puerto Rico, from surveys conducted from 2023-08-07 to 2024-02-05 (NCEI Accession 0306699). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/a782-8g03. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo Lynker, under contract to NOAA Restoration Center Figuerola-Hernandez, Miguel Sea Ventures Sanchez, Juan Protectores de Cuencas Figueroa-Sanchez, Yasiel Protectores de Cuencas Vandiver, Lisa NOAA Restoration Center
Principal Investigators	Lisa Vandiver NOAA Restoration Center
Contributors	NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC)
Resource Providers	Bernardo Vargas-Ángel NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC)
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Funding Agency: NOAA Restoration Center Funding Agency: NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS biological data HABITAT - BENTHIC NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS benthic biological in situ laboratory analyses WMO_CategoryCode oceanography CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus Numeric Data Sets > Benthic Numeric Data Sets > Biology CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Plants > Seagrass EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Plants > Seagrass > Monitoring > In Situ Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC Provider Keywords Epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation Contributing Data Centers Protectores de Cuencas Sea Ventures US DOC; NOAA; NMFS; Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC) Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords DOC/NOAA/NMFS > National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS laboratory analysis Provider Instruments Artificial seagrass installations. aka Epiphytometers
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Caribbean Sea CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Puerto Rico > Culebra Island (18N065W0011) OCEAN BASIN > Atlantic Ocean > Caribbean Sea /North Atlantic Ocean > Puerto Rico > Culebra Island (18N065W0011) Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > CARIBBEAN SEA Provider Place Names Culebra Island
Project keywords	NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) CORAL REEF STUDIES Provider Project Names Coral reef studies / Land-based sources of pollution management effectiveness
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0306699
Keywords	Send2NCEI Submission Package ID XDJ391

Use Constraints	Cite as: Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo; Figuerola-Hernandez, Miguel; Sanchez, Juan; Figueroa-Sanchez, Yasiel; Vandiver, Lisa (2025). Quantification of epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass leaves in Culebra, Puerto Rico, from surveys conducted from 2023-08-07 to 2024-02-05 (NCEI Accession 0306699). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/a782-8g03. Accessed [date].
Data License	This dataset has been dedicated to the public domain under a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication. SPDX License: Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal (CC0-1.0)
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	2025-08-11T18:55:28Z - NCEI Accession 0306699 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0306699 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0306699 v1.1 (download) published 2025-08-11T18:55:28Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: Epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass (calculated); Units: mg/cm2/day; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Artificial seagrass installations. aka Epiphytometers; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Artificial seagrass installations were deployed at 13 nearshore fixed monitoring stations downstream from select coastal watershed drainage delivery points, and co-located with water quality, sediment trap, and seagrass monitoring stations. These sites were selected to represent: 1) Repeat locations where nearshore water quality and sedimentation are being monitored. 2) Repeat locations previously sampled in 2014 for water quality and seagrass community status assessment. Epiphyte accumulation was quantified on artificial seagrass following the methods outlined in Virnstein & Curran (1986) with slight modifications At each monitoring station three replicate shoots containing 6 blades each (2 each, approx. length: ~23cm, ~13cm, and ~8cm; approx. width: ~1cm) attached to plastic augers. Augers were inserted into the substrate and anchored to existing (previously installed) rebar markers. The experiment was run twice and installations remained underwater for 60–90 days: 1) 7 Aug, 2023–7 Nov, 2023; and 2) 11 Dec, 2023–5 Feb, 2024. Recovered artificial leaves were carefully rinsed in fresh water to remove salt, gently scraped with a blade, and scraped material dried at 60 degrees celcius to constant weight. Artificial leaf dimensions were measured to the nearest 0.5 mm and the quadrangular (rectangle / trapezoid) leaf surface area was estimated accordingly. Recovered shoots that were frayed or tattered were discarded and excluded from analyses. Mean epiphyte biomass accumulation was computed in mg/cm2/day. -- Methodological reference: Virnstein RW, Curran MC (1986) Colonization of artificial seagrass versus time and distance from source> Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 29:297-288--; Data Quality Method: -Quality control occurred at several major stages: 1) Experimental unit construction, deployment, recovery, and post-recovery handling. 3) Mathematical computation error checking. 4) Data entry, and 5) Data management. --Artificial seagrass installations construction, deployment, retrieval, laboratory analyses, and accumulation rate computations were conducted by experienced scientific personnel who met a set of minimum standards for field and laboratory work. --The same laboratory instrumentation (i.e., analytical balance and drying oven) was employed to process and analyze all samples. --Data gaps originate from experimental units that were not found at time of recovery, and experimental units that were frayed or tattered at time of recovery, probably due to predation. --Survey and analytical methods were consistent across all samples.

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: Epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass (calculated); Units: mg/cm2/day; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Artificial seagrass installations. aka Epiphytometers; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Artificial seagrass installations were deployed at 13 nearshore fixed monitoring stations downstream from select coastal watershed drainage delivery points, and co-located with water quality, sediment trap, and seagrass monitoring stations. These sites were selected to represent: 1) Repeat locations where nearshore water quality and sedimentation are being monitored. 2) Repeat locations previously sampled in 2014 for water quality and seagrass community status assessment. Epiphyte accumulation was quantified on artificial seagrass following the methods outlined in Virnstein & Curran (1986) with slight modifications At each monitoring station three replicate shoots containing 6 blades each (2 each, approx. length: ~23cm, ~13cm, and ~8cm; approx. width: ~1cm) attached to plastic augers. Augers were inserted into the substrate and anchored to existing (previously installed) rebar markers. The experiment was run twice and installations remained underwater for 60–90 days: 1) 7 Aug, 2023–7 Nov, 2023; and 2) 11 Dec, 2023–5 Feb, 2024. Recovered artificial leaves were carefully rinsed in fresh water to remove salt, gently scraped with a blade, and scraped material dried at 60 degrees celcius to constant weight. Artificial leaf dimensions were measured to the nearest 0.5 mm and the quadrangular (rectangle / trapezoid) leaf surface area was estimated accordingly. Recovered shoots that were frayed or tattered were discarded and excluded from analyses. Mean epiphyte biomass accumulation was computed in mg/cm2/day. -- Methodological reference: Virnstein RW, Curran MC (1986) Colonization of artificial seagrass versus time and distance from source> Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 29:297-288--; Data Quality Method: -Quality control occurred at several major stages: 1) Experimental unit construction, deployment, recovery, and post-recovery handling. 3) Mathematical computation error checking. 4) Data entry, and 5) Data management. --Artificial seagrass installations construction, deployment, retrieval, laboratory analyses, and accumulation rate computations were conducted by experienced scientific personnel who met a set of minimum standards for field and laboratory work. --The same laboratory instrumentation (i.e., analytical balance and drying oven) was employed to process and analyze all samples. --Data gaps originate from experimental units that were not found at time of recovery, and experimental units that were frayed or tattered at time of recovery, probably due to predation. --Survey and analytical methods were consistent across all samples.

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	laboratory analysis

Last Modified: 2025-11-13T13:20:22Z
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Quantification of epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass leaves in Culebra, Puerto Rico, from surveys conducted from 2023-08-07 to 2024-02-05 (NCEI Accession 0306699)

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