Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Reef fish Stationary Point Count (SPC) survey data collected by the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program from 2010-08-04 to 2019-12-19 (NCEI Accession 0244405)

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The data in this package include fish abundance, length, biomass, and presence/absence data collected as part of the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program (GLTMP). The monitoring team uses a Stationary Point Count Method, adapted from Ault et al. (2006) and NOAA Fisheries, Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (Williams et al., 2011), to conduct the reef fish surveys.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Changes have been made to the fish SPC survey methodology since its first deployment in 2010. These changes, which are documented in the Data Quality and Lineage sections of the NOAA InPort metadata record (link below) must be considered in order to properly analyze these data. Also, please note that the results of a 2020 analysis of the fish SPC data conducted by Dr. Peter Houk of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory indicated that data collected in 2010 and 2011 by one observer, and data collected by another observer at single site in 2015, did not meet quality assurance standards. In response to the results of this analysis observations recorded by these two observers were not included in the dataset submitted to NCEI. However, these data can be made available upon request. More information regarding Dr. Houk's analysis can be found in the Data Quality section of the InPort metadata record.

These data were collected using a split-panel sampling approach, whereby a mix of permanent and non-permanent sampling stations (one sampling station = one transect) are visited within each site. The monitoring sites represent high priority reef areas selected by an advisory body comprised of reef managers, researchers, and technicians. The sites were not selected randomly from around the island and thus should not be considered representative of reef condition at the island-scale. While the general location of the sites were selected based on management priority, the site boundaries were delineated using bathymetry and benthic habitat data within ArcGIS; the locations of the sampling stations were generated randomly within each site’s boundaries using ArcGIS.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program (2022). Reef fish Stationary Point Count (SPC) survey data collected by the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program from 2010-08-04 to 2019-12-19 (NCEI Accession 0244405). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0244405. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0244405

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	Excel CSV PDF
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	2010-08-04 to 2019-12-19
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: 144.583 East: 144.991 South: 13.21 North: 13.671
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation

NCEI Dataset Landing Page
Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.
Descriptive Information
Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.

Associated Resources

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 2014: Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program Reef Fish Surveys since 2010, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/47783.
- https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/47783
  InPort Metadata Record
Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program
- Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program
  Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program Web Page
A report of the Comprehensive Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring at Permanent Sites on Guam project
- A report of the Comprehensive Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring at Permanent Sites on Guam project
  A report of the Comprehensive Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring at Permanent Sites on Guam project for data collected from 2010 to 2018

Publication Dates	publication: 2022-01-07
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
Supplemental Information	Submission Package ID: UEL343
Purpose	The reef fish SPC survey data are collected as part of the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program, which documents a number of important parameters related to ecosystem health; these parameters are grouped into three categories: water quality, benthic habitat, and associated biological communities. Many of these parameters are indicators of stressors, and significant changes in these parameters will likely raise concern and possibly trigger management actions. Data collected for these indicators provide important information about the resilience of high priority reef areas around Guam. Monitoring these parameters allows resource managers to evaluate the effectiveness of specific management strategies, and inform the development of new management actions.
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: Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program (2022). Reef fish Stationary Point Count (SPC) survey data collected by the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program from 2010-08-04 to 2019-12-19 (NCEI Accession 0244405). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0244405. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program
Principal Investigators	David R. Burdick University of Guam
Collaborators	The Guam Coastal Management Program Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans University of Guam Marine Laboratory
Contributors	University of Guam
Resource Providers	David R. Burdick University of Guam University of Guam
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Related Funding Agency: NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS FISH - CORAL REEF FISH BIOMASS FISH CENSUS FISH SPECIES INDIVIDUAL FISH EXAMINATION - LENGTH SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - COUNT SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - ORGANISM LENGTH NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS biological in situ survey survey - biological survey - coral reef visual observation WMO_CategoryCode oceanography CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus Numeric Data Sets > Biology CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Species Richness EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Rapid Assessment Studies EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Reef Fish Census EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Reef Fish Census > Stationary EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish > Fish Behavior EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish > Fish Census Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > FISH
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of Guam NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of Guam Contributing Data Centers Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans The Guam Coastal Management Program University of Guam Marine Laboratory
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS visual observation Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords VISUAL OBSERVATIONS > VISUAL OBSERVATIONS
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Northwest Pacific Ocean (limit-180) Philippine Sea CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Achang (13N144E0064) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Cocos Barrier Reefs (13N144E0001) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > East Agana Bay (13N144E0063) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Fouha Bay (13N144E0024) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Guam (13N144E0000) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Piti Bay (13N144E0061) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Tumon Bay (13N144E0004) COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > Guam > Western Shoal (13N144E0062) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Achang (13N144E0064) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > East Agana Bay (13N144E0063) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Fouha Bay (13N144E0024) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Guam (13N144E0000) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Piti Bay (13N144E0061) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Tumon Bay (13N144E0004) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam > Western Shoal (13N144E0062) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Western Pacific Ocean > Guam Reefs > Cocos Barrier Reefs (13N144E0001) Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > PACIFIC OCEAN > NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Project keywords	NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) CORAL REEF STUDIES CRCP Project NA07NOS4260060 NA10NOS4260060 NA11NOS4820007 NA13NOS4820012 NA15NOS4820039 NA17NOS4820038 State and Territorial Government Cooperative Agreements Provider Project Names Comprehensive Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring at Permanent Sites on Guam
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0244405

Use Constraints	Cite as: Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program (2022). Reef fish Stationary Point Count (SPC) survey data collected by the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program from 2010-08-04 to 2019-12-19 (NCEI Accession 0244405). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0244405. 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	2022-01-07T14:19:27Z - NCEI Accession 0244405 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0244405 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0244405 v1.1 (download) published 2022-01-07T14:19:27Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: visual observation; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The fish team uses a Stationary Point Count Method (SPC) adapted from Ault et al. (2006) and NOAA Fisheries Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (Williams et al., 2011). All sampling stations within a given monitoring site were initially selected from hard-bottom habitats using a stratified random sampling design; a combination of fixed and non-fixed transects are utilized within each monitoring site (split-panel approach). Each sampling station is located using a GPS receiver. A 30-meter transect is laid out in a clockwise direction relative to the island, following the depth contour if it can be readily determined or parallel to the reef margin for flat areas. To conduct the reef fish surveys divers are positioned at 7.5 m and 22.5 m along the transect and count fish within a 7.5 m radius cylinder extending from the substrate to the limits of vertical visibility. The simultaneous surveys start once the divers deploy the transect and both divers are ready to proceed. A fish diver partners with a benthic diver when two fish divers are not available. In this situation, the fish diver lays the transect and conducts the first SPC at 22.5 m while the benthic diver works from 0-15 m; they then switch positions along the transect. The SPC surveys are conducted in two parts. During the first five minutes, divers record all species observed within the cylinder, but do not count or size fish. All fish are identified to species level or the next lowest taxonomic level possible (genus or family). While some small and/or cryptic taxa, such as most gobies or blennies, are not given high priority in the survey and are usually not reported, some larger-bodied or otherwise notable representatives of those taxa, such as Exalias brevis, Plagiotremus spp., and Valenciennea strigata are typically reported. Small fishes and those cryptic during the day, such as apogonids and holocentrids, are explicitly targeted for the survey but are likely undercounted. If a rare fish (shark, species of concern, large mobile predators, etc.) is observed during the first 5 minutes, it is counted and sized, but the diver notes that it was not an instantaneous count. Note that this approach to surveying rare fish was not in place during surveys carried out at the Tumon Bay and East Agana Bay in 2010 and at the Western Shoals site in 2011. For surveys at these sites during that time period rare fish were counted and sized but it was not clear if it was an instantaneous count or not. After the first five minutes divers enumerate fish, one species grouping at a time, using rapid visual sweeps of the plot. The counts are designed to be instantaneous to avoid double counting. All fish of the target species within the SPC boundaries are counted and sized to the nearest centimeter; however, divers may use size classes for large schools or high densities. Note that the list of species considered a target species for counting and sizing changed beginning in 2020 to include only food fishes (see InPort metadata record for more information). At the end of the survey, divers swim throughout the 7.5-m radius plot to enumerate small and cryptic species that were not captured from the stationary central position. The fish team conducts roving diver swims throughout the survey station after the SPCs to document species richness across the site. While core aspects of fish SPC survey, namely the listing of all species in the first 5 minutes and the instantaneous counting and sizing of targeted species after 5 minutes, have remained consistent since the first GLTMP reef fish SPC surveys in 2010, modifications have been made to the original method in the intervening years. Slight modifications to the method were made beginning in 2012, allowing more refined classification of non-instantaneous observations, but more substantial changes to the method were implemented beginning in 2020. These modifications, which must be taken into account during any temporal analysis of these data, are detailed in the InPort metadata record for this dataset. Raw data include individual fish observation records with the corresponding methodological information and physical data that reflect the description of the site. Fish observation records include species identification, counts, total length (cm), length-weight values, biomass values, and trophic group designation. The physical/methodological data for all records includes the following: site, station, station type (fixed or unfixed), observer, date (day, month, year), latitude (dd), longitude (dd), transect, cylinder radius (m), SPC replicate, observation type (instantaneous/non-instantaneous/presence), depth (m), stratum, and wave exposure.; Data Quality Method: Observations included in this dataset were made by divers who have been trained, and met minimum standards in identifying species present at the survey location. Small fishes and those cryptic during the day, such as apogonids and holocentrids, are likely undercounted. While some small and/or cryptic taxa, such as most gobies or blennies, are not given high priority in the survey and are usually not reported, some larger-bodied or otherwise notable representatives of those taxa, such as Exalias brevis, Plagiotremus spp., and Valenciennea strigata may be reported. Observations, including species identification, counts, and cylinder size and fish length estimates were periodically checked for consistency between divers. A 2020 analysis carried out by Dr. Peter Houk of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory detected some interobserver biases involving the two observers whose observations are included in this dataset. These biases, which are described in detail in the Bias and Comparability sections of the NOAA InPort metadata record for this dataset, appear to be related to the detection of more cryptic taxa, such as holocentrids, by the more experienced observer, and the detection of a greater number of larger-sized fish species identification. The latter bias may be related to differences in the degree of accuracy each observer exhibited in estimating cylinder size, but it may also have been an artifact of the survey methodology. No significant differences in the accuracy of species identifications or size estimates were detected between the two observers whose data is included in this dataset. However, observations by two other observers were removed from the dataset following Dr. Houk's study, as it was determined that total biomass and individual size estimates for survey replicates conducted by a relatively inexperienced observer in 2010 and 2011 were consistently higher in comparison to survey replicates carried out by a more experienced observer, and sampling station biomass was consistently lower for survey replicates conducted in 2015 by another observer. Data collected by these two observers can be made available upon request. All observations entered into the database through the online data entry system are compared against observations recorded on the raw data sheet. Once all database records are verified the quality control process is marked as complete for all observations associated with a given station/sampling period. This data entry and quality control process is currently conducted by the fish team lead. It should also be noted that the data management system employs hard and soft validation to minimize data entry errors..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: visual observation; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The fish team uses a Stationary Point Count Method (SPC) adapted from Ault et al. (2006) and NOAA Fisheries Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (Williams et al., 2011). All sampling stations within a given monitoring site were initially selected from hard-bottom habitats using a stratified random sampling design; a combination of fixed and non-fixed transects are utilized within each monitoring site (split-panel approach). Each sampling station is located using a GPS receiver. A 30-meter transect is laid out in a clockwise direction relative to the island, following the depth contour if it can be readily determined or parallel to the reef margin for flat areas. To conduct the reef fish surveys divers are positioned at 7.5 m and 22.5 m along the transect and count fish within a 7.5 m radius cylinder extending from the substrate to the limits of vertical visibility. The simultaneous surveys start once the divers deploy the transect and both divers are ready to proceed. A fish diver partners with a benthic diver when two fish divers are not available. In this situation, the fish diver lays the transect and conducts the first SPC at 22.5 m while the benthic diver works from 0-15 m; they then switch positions along the transect. The SPC surveys are conducted in two parts. During the first five minutes, divers record all species observed within the cylinder, but do not count or size fish. All fish are identified to species level or the next lowest taxonomic level possible (genus or family). While some small and/or cryptic taxa, such as most gobies or blennies, are not given high priority in the survey and are usually not reported, some larger-bodied or otherwise notable representatives of those taxa, such as Exalias brevis, Plagiotremus spp., and Valenciennea strigata are typically reported. Small fishes and those cryptic during the day, such as apogonids and holocentrids, are explicitly targeted for the survey but are likely undercounted. If a rare fish (shark, species of concern, large mobile predators, etc.) is observed during the first 5 minutes, it is counted and sized, but the diver notes that it was not an instantaneous count. Note that this approach to surveying rare fish was not in place during surveys carried out at the Tumon Bay and East Agana Bay in 2010 and at the Western Shoals site in 2011. For surveys at these sites during that time period rare fish were counted and sized but it was not clear if it was an instantaneous count or not. After the first five minutes divers enumerate fish, one species grouping at a time, using rapid visual sweeps of the plot. The counts are designed to be instantaneous to avoid double counting. All fish of the target species within the SPC boundaries are counted and sized to the nearest centimeter; however, divers may use size classes for large schools or high densities. Note that the list of species considered a target species for counting and sizing changed beginning in 2020 to include only food fishes (see InPort metadata record for more information). At the end of the survey, divers swim throughout the 7.5-m radius plot to enumerate small and cryptic species that were not captured from the stationary central position. The fish team conducts roving diver swims throughout the survey station after the SPCs to document species richness across the site. While core aspects of fish SPC survey, namely the listing of all species in the first 5 minutes and the instantaneous counting and sizing of targeted species after 5 minutes, have remained consistent since the first GLTMP reef fish SPC surveys in 2010, modifications have been made to the original method in the intervening years. Slight modifications to the method were made beginning in 2012, allowing more refined classification of non-instantaneous observations, but more substantial changes to the method were implemented beginning in 2020. These modifications, which must be taken into account during any temporal analysis of these data, are detailed in the InPort metadata record for this dataset. Raw data include individual fish observation records with the corresponding methodological information and physical data that reflect the description of the site. Fish observation records include species identification, counts, total length (cm), length-weight values, biomass values, and trophic group designation. The physical/methodological data for all records includes the following: site, station, station type (fixed or unfixed), observer, date (day, month, year), latitude (dd), longitude (dd), transect, cylinder radius (m), SPC replicate, observation type (instantaneous/non-instantaneous/presence), depth (m), stratum, and wave exposure.; Data Quality Method: Observations included in this dataset were made by divers who have been trained, and met minimum standards in identifying species present at the survey location. Small fishes and those cryptic during the day, such as apogonids and holocentrids, are likely undercounted. While some small and/or cryptic taxa, such as most gobies or blennies, are not given high priority in the survey and are usually not reported, some larger-bodied or otherwise notable representatives of those taxa, such as Exalias brevis, Plagiotremus spp., and Valenciennea strigata may be reported. Observations, including species identification, counts, and cylinder size and fish length estimates were periodically checked for consistency between divers. A 2020 analysis carried out by Dr. Peter Houk of the University of Guam Marine Laboratory detected some interobserver biases involving the two observers whose observations are included in this dataset. These biases, which are described in detail in the Bias and Comparability sections of the NOAA InPort metadata record for this dataset, appear to be related to the detection of more cryptic taxa, such as holocentrids, by the more experienced observer, and the detection of a greater number of larger-sized fish species identification. The latter bias may be related to differences in the degree of accuracy each observer exhibited in estimating cylinder size, but it may also have been an artifact of the survey methodology. No significant differences in the accuracy of species identifications or size estimates were detected between the two observers whose data is included in this dataset. However, observations by two other observers were removed from the dataset following Dr. Houk's study, as it was determined that total biomass and individual size estimates for survey replicates conducted by a relatively inexperienced observer in 2010 and 2011 were consistently higher in comparison to survey replicates carried out by a more experienced observer, and sampling station biomass was consistently lower for survey replicates conducted in 2015 by another observer. Data collected by these two observers can be made available upon request. All observations entered into the database through the online data entry system are compared against observations recorded on the raw data sheet. Once all database records are verified the quality control process is marked as complete for all observations associated with a given station/sampling period. This data entry and quality control process is currently conducted by the fish team lead. It should also be noted that the data management system employs hard and soft validation to minimize data entry errors..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	visual observation

Last Modified: 2024-02-21T13:44:27Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Reef fish Stationary Point Count (SPC) survey data collected by the Guam Long-term Coral Reef Monitoring Program from 2010-08-04 to 2019-12-19 (NCEI Accession 0244405)

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