gov.noaa.nodc:0306699 eng utf8 dataset NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NOAA Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information custodian 2026-07-14T14:56:07Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) 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) 2025-08-11 publication 2025-07-29 creation International DOI Foundation (IDF) 10.25921/a782-8g03 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0306699 NCEI Archive Management System 0306699 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information publisher Bernardo Vargas-Ángel NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) bernardo.vargas-angel@noaa.gov https://coast.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) website Institution web page information resourceProvider NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC) https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-habitat-conservation HTTPS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC) website Institution web page information resourceProvider Lisa Vandiver NOAA Restoration Center lisa.vandiver@noaa.gov https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-habitat-conservation HTTPS NOAA Restoration Center website Institution web page information principalInvestigator Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo Lynker, under contract to NOAA Restoration Center bernardo.vargas-angel@noaa.gov author Figuerola-Hernandez, Miguel Sea Ventures author Sanchez, Juan Protectores de Cuencas author Figueroa-Sanchez, Yasiel Protectores de Cuencas author Vandiver, Lisa NOAA Restoration Center https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-habitat-conservation HTTPS NOAA Restoration Center website Institution web page information author NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC) https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-habitat-conservation HTTPS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation (NMFS/OHC) website Institution web page information contributor tableDigital 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. 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. Funding Agency: NOAA Restoration Center Funding Agency: NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program completed historicalArchive NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact asNeeded https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/gfx?id=gov.noaa.nodc:0306699 Preview graphic PNG 0306699 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2025-07-22 publication biological data HABITAT - BENTHIC theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS laboratory analysis instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS benthic biological in situ laboratory analyses theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) CORAL REEF STUDIES project NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Caribbean Sea place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication Protectores de Cuencas Sea Ventures US DOC; NOAA; NMFS; Office of Habitat Conservation (OHC) dataCentre Contributing Data Centers DOC/NOAA/NMFS > National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Coral reef studies / Land-based sources of pollution management effectiveness project Provider Project Names Numeric Data Sets > Benthic Numeric Data Sets > Biology theme CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Plants > Seagrass EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Plants > Seagrass > Monitoring > In Situ theme CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Epiphyte biomass accumulation on artificial seagrass theme Provider Keywords Artificial seagrass installations. aka Epiphytometers instrument Provider Instruments 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) place CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > CARIBBEAN SEA place Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords 2026 revision 24 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Culebra Island place Provider Place Names XDJ391 Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions 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]. 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. otherRestrictions 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. license This dataset has been dedicated to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication. SPDX License: Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal (CC0-1.0) 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 1986-03-26 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.3354/meps029279 https://doi.org/10.3354/meps029279 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.3354/meps029279 Related journal article containing methodology used information Virnstein, Robert W. Harbor Branch Foundation author Curran, Mary C. Harbor Branch Foundation author Inter-Research Science Publisher publisher documentDigital Marine Ecology Progress Series 29 crossReference sciencePaper Stoner, A.W. (1980). The role of seagrass biomass in the organization of benthic macrofaunal assemblages. Bulletin of Marine Science, 30: 537-551 1980-07-01 publication https://ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/1980/00000030/00000003/art0001 HTTPS https://ingentaconnect.com/content/umrsmas/bullmar/1980/00000030/00000003/art0001 Related journal article information Stoner, Allan W. Florida State University author documentDigital Bulletin of Marine Science 30 crossReference sciencePaper 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 1997-11 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.3354/meps159037 https://doi.org/10.3354/meps159037 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.3354/meps159037 Related journal article information Frankovich, Thomas A. Florida International University author Fourqurean, James W. Florida International University author Inter-Research Science Publisher publisher documentDigital Marine Ecology Progress Series 150 crossReference sciencePaper 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 2017-08 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) ttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.04.034 Related journal article information Nelson, Walter G. US Environmental Protection Agency author Elsevier publisher documentDigital Marine Ecology Progress Series 79 crossReference sciencePaper Vargas-Ángel, B. (2024). Culebra Seagrass Monitoring Work Plan. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program: The Coral Program Watershed Management Activities; Puerto Rico, Culebra. 2024-05-24 publication https://coast.noaa.gov/coral_storage/library/NOAA/CRCP/NMFS/OHC/Projects/30033/Culebra_LBSP_RidgeToReef_Monitoring_Program/Vargas-Angel2024e_Seagrass_Monitoring_Transects_WorkPlan.pdf HTTPS https://coast.noaa.gov/coral_storage/library/NOAA/CRCP/NMFS/OHC/Projects/30033/Culebra_LBSP_RidgeToReef_Monitoring_Program/Vargas-Angel2024e_Seagrass_Monitoring_Transects_WorkPlan.pdf Related report information Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Office for Coastal Management author US DOC; NOAA; NOS; Coral Reef Conservation Program publisher documentDigital crossReference sciencePaper eng; USA utf8 environment oceans biota -65.308333 -65.244444 18.288611 18.313888 2023-08-07 2023-11-07 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 ncei.info@noaa.gov pointOfContact 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. Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions. CSV PNG 9.94 https://doi.org/10.25921/a782-8g03 HTTPS Web browser NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/oas/306699 HTTPS Web browser Descriptive Information Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/download/306699 HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/nodc/archive/arc0240/0306699/ FTP Any FTP client FTP 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). download dataset NCEI Accession 0306699 v1.1 was published. 2025-08-11T18:55:28Z NCEI Accession 0306699 v1.1 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0306699/1.1 HTTPS NCEI Accession 0306699 v1.1 published 2025-08-11T18:55:28Z download dataset 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. asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian laboratory analysis laboratory analysis use as an observation type