Biogeographic characterization of fish and benthic communities, Parguera, Puerto Rico 2000-08-21 to 2009-08-21 (NCEI Accession 0125202, superseded by NCEI Accession 0206670)

Note: While this package has been superseded by NCEI accession 0206670 the data collected in the year 2000 is not part of the new package. Estimates for fish abundance based on the data from 2000 are statistically biased compared with estimates for 2001 and the succeeding years, and should not be generalized to represent averages for any specific habitat type in 2000 for these following reasons:

1) The sampling design used for collection of fish data in 2000 was opportunistic rather than the random-stratified sampling design implemented in 2001 and the following years;
2) The fish survey method was 15 minute point count instead of the 100m-2 belt transect used the succeeding years (2001-2012); and
3) The accompanying quadrat surveys to collect detailed information on benthic composition of the seafloor was implemented in 2001, and no such data exists for the year 2000.

Please reference NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CCMA/Biogeography Branch when utilizing these data in a report or peer reviewed publication. Additionally, knowledge of how this dataset has been of use and which organizations are utilizing it is of great benefit for ensuring this information continues to meet the needs of the management and research communities. Therefore, it is requested but not mandatory, that any user of this data supply this information to the Program Manager: Kimberly Roberson (kimberly.roberson@noaa.gov).

These data were prepared by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference therein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. Any views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. Although all data have been used by NOAA, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by NOAA as to the accuracy of the data and/or related materials. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by NOAA in the use of these data or related materials.

This work is being conducted in collaboration with the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the University of Puerto Rico.