#Data set: Coral Reef survey 

#Location: Ofu Island, American Samoa
   For specific locations of each transect, see page 2-4 and
   Appendix A (Hunter et.  al., 1993, below).

#Time Span: September 8-11, 1992

#Site Selection and Basic Methodologies
Survey sites and long-term monitoring stations were selected after
consultation with Park Superindendent, Doug Cuillard, and initial
reconnaissance surveys of reefs along the entire SE shore of Ofu,
on the northeast shore, and near Ofu Village.  Six permanent stations
were identified by shoreside lineups (recorded by notes, photos, and 
video).  Sites were also marked with stainless steel eyebolts labeled
with plastic tags.  Pilot holes were drilled into dead coral heads at
each end of a central 10 m long transect (parallel to the shoreline)
at each site.  Eyebolts were then screwed into the pilot holes, and
underwater epoxy was applied around the openings to further secure the
bolts.  

Although each station was permanently marked to facilitate positioning
of transect lines, it is important to note that comparability of 
future survey is not dependent on exact relocation of the transects.
The six nearshore sites were chosen as being generally representative
of the back reef lagoon areas.  Due to the within-site replication
and robustness of the methods used in this study, future surveys
at approximately the same depths and distances from shore will
provide comparable estimates of the status of reef resources.

#Project: Ofu Reef Survey 
          National Park Service of American Samoa

#Backgroud:

The US Congress has authorized the Department of the Interior to
enter into a lease agreement with the Govenor of American Samoa to
establish the National Park of American Samoa.  This park would
include a nearshore reef along the southern coast of the island of
Ofu.  This fringing reef on Ofu provides a natural lagoon habitat
which is uncommon in American Samoa.  This area supports a local
subsistence fishery and provides excellent opportunities for diving
and snorkeling.

A survey of the nearshore reefs in the area of the proposed national
park at Ofu was conducted between 7-12 September, 1992.  The goals
of the survey were to: 1) collect baseline data on the current
status of the reefs and reef resources in the area, 2) to establish
long-term monitoring stations to enable documentation of the health
of the reef communities through time, and 3) to contribute information
to a comprehensive coastal resource survey of Tutuila and the Manua
Islands.  The overall purpose of the work was to design and implement
the biotic component of a reef monitoring program for the areas
within and adjacent to the proposed national park site.

#Data Originator:

Alan Friedlander
The Oceanic Institute
Makapu'u Point/41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy
Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795
Phone - 808-259-3165
FAX - 808-259-5971
e-mail - afriedlander@csi.com

#References:

Hunter, C.L., A.M. Friedlander, W.H. Magruder, and K.Z. Meier. 1993. Ofu
reef survey. Baseline assessment and recommendations for long-term
monitoring of the proposed national park, Ofu, American Samoa. Report to
the National Park Service.

#Files:
 samodata.xls     EXCEL97 format
 samoda95.csv     EXCEL95 (version 5) format
 samoda95.xls     Comma delimited

All of the above contain the exact same information.
Choose the file format of your liking.

columns as follows:
------------------- 
Date = sample date
Location = see Hunter et al. 1993 for information
Loc code = location code: see Hunter et al. 1993 for information
Habitat = inshore or offshore
Depth = feet
Census# = 1 to 34
Species = scientific name
Number = number of individuals for a given species
AvgLgth = average length of species per observation 

*Note A.Picciolo has a copy of the Hunter et al., 1993.
