gov.noaa.nodc:0208020 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 2026-04-06T18:23:36Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) NCCOS Assessment: Water Quality Data to Assess Eutrophication Effects on Coral Ecosystem Health in Vatia Bay, American Samoa from 2015-05-13 to 2018-08-28 (NCEI Accession 0208020) 2019-12-10 publication 2019-12-09 creation International DOI Foundation (IDF) 10.25921/w2p3-de30 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0208020 NCEI Archive Management System 0208020 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 NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information resourceProvider Dave Whitall NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) dave.whitall@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information principalInvestigator Andrew Mason NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) andrew.mason@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information principalInvestigator Dave Whitall NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) dave.whitall@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information pointOfContact NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) NCCOS Data Manager nccos.data@noaa.gov https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information pointOfContact Meagan Curtis American Samoa Community College collaborator Motusaga Vaeoso American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Kim McGuire American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Trevor Kaituu American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Alice Lawrence American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Mareike Sudek American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Sabrina Woofter American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Jeremy Raynal American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Fa'salafa Kitiona American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group collaborator Kelley Tagarino American Samoa Community College collaborator Francis Leiato American Samoa Community College collaborator Mia Comeros-Raynall American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency collaborator Hideyo Hattori NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) https://coralreef.noaa.gov HTTPS NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) website Institution web page information collaborator Greg Piniak NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information collaborator Whitall, Dave NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information author Mason, Andrew NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information author Meagan, Curtis American Samoa Community College author NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information contributor NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) https://coralreef.noaa.gov HTTPS NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) website Institution web page information contributor tableDigital This dataset represents three years of water quality data collected in Vatia Bay, American Samoa. A standard suite of nutrient parameters (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, urea, total nitrogen, orthophosphate, total phosphorus and silica), as well as tracers of human waste (sucralose and caffeine) were quantified at sixteen randomly selected sites (surface and bottom samples) monthly from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, sampling efforts focused on capturing precipitation events, so the sampling was conducted at less regular intervals. American Samoa’s reefs are considered to be among the most pristine in the United States. These reefs host approximately 950 species of fish, 240 species of algae, 330 species of coral and many other species of invertebrates. Vatia Bay is located on the north shore of the island of Tutuila, the largest and most populous island of the U.S. territory of American Samoa. The Bay has been designated as a priority area by the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group. There have been local concerns about the impacts of land based sources of pollution and water quality on the coral reef ecosystems of Vatia Bay, due to the prevalence of benthic algae. Excess nutrient loads can affect coral health both directly (e.g., lowering fertilization and calcification rates) and indirectly (increasing benthic algal growth which can outcompete corals for space). Nutrients can come from a variety of sources, but the two likely largest sources for this system as human waste and piggeries. The objectives of this study where to: quantify the magnitude and spatiotemporal variability of surface water nutrients in the Bay; establish a baseline of nutrient conditions against which to measure changes in the future; link observed concentrations of nutrients to hydrologic forcing factors and possible nutrient sources; and use human dietary chemical indicators to evaluate if human waste is reaching Vatia Bay. Environmental data, such as the dataset presented here, serve as a baseline of current conditions, which are needed determine the efficacy of management efforts, i.e., measuring change over time. The data presented here can be utilized by coastal managers to best prioritize management strategies in a way to maximize success in decreasing stressors on coral reef ecosystems. Partners included: American Samoa’s Coral Reef Advisory Group, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), National Park Service (NPS) and American Samoa Community College. Funding Agency: NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Funding Agency: NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science 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:0208020 Preview graphic PNG 0208020 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2019-12-06 publication AMMONIUM (NH4) NITRATE NITRITE NUTRIENTS silica Total nitrogen TOTAL PHOSPHORUS UREA theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS Niskin bottle instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS laboratory analyses theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) CORAL REEF STUDIES project NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS South Pacific Ocean place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication DOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS > National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean 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 31090 Eutrophication Impacts on Coral Ecosystem Health in Vatia, American Samoa project CRCP Project Numeric Data Sets > Water Quality theme CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Ocean Chemistry > Chemistry Monitoring and Assessment theme CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > AMMONIA EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NITRATE EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NITRITE EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NITROGEN EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NUTRIENTS 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 Stressor Impacts and Mitigation > Biological Effects of Contaminants and Nutrients theme NCCOS Research Areas Field Observation theme NCCOS Research Data Types NISKIN BOTTLES instrument Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument 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 COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > American Samoa > Tutuila Island > Vatia Bay (14S170W0028) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Tutuila Island > Vatia Bay (14S170W0028) place CoRIS Place Thesaurus OCEAN > PACIFIC OCEAN > SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN 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 U.S. States and Territories > American Samoa Waterbodies > Pacific Ocean place NCCOS Regions of Study American Samoa Coastal Ocean Tutuila Vatia Bay place Provider Place Names 65H1GW Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions Cite as: Whitall, Dave; Mason, Andrew; Meagan, Curtis (2019). NCCOS Assessment: Water Quality Data to Assess Eutrophication Effects on Coral Ecosystem Health in Vatia Bay, American Samoa from 2015-05-13 to 2018-08-28 (NCEI Accession 0208020). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/w2p3-de30. 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. Whitall, D., Curtis, M., Mason, A., & Vargas-Angel, B. (2019). Excess Nutrients in Vatia Bay, American Samoa: Spatiotemporal Variability, Source Identification and Impact on Coral Reef Ecosystems. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (U.S.). https://doi.org/10.25923/j8cp-x570 2019 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.25923/j8cp-x570 https://doi.org/10.25923/j8cp-x570 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.25923/j8cp-x570 NOAA Central Library: Technical Memorandum information Whitall, David author Curtis, Meagan author Mason, Andrew author Vargas-Angel, Bernardo author National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (U.S.) publisher documentDigital National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (U.S.) crossReference collection Nutrient Dynamics and Changes to Benthic Communities in Vatia, American Samoa 2015 publication https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/nutrient-dynamics-changes-benthic-communities-vatia-american-samoa/ HTTPS https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/nutrient-dynamics-changes-benthic-communities-vatia-american-samoa/ National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) project page information NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) website Institution web page information publisher documentDigital crossReference project Coral Reef Ecosystem Program; Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2017). Benthic Surveys in Vatia, American Samoa: comprehensive assessment of coral demography (adult and juvenile corals) from belt transect surveys between 2015-11-02 and 2015-11-12 (NCEI Accession 0165016). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0165016. 2017-09-08 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0165016 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0165016 HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0165016 Related dataset information Coral Reef Ecosystem Program author Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection Coral Reef Ecosystem Program; Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2016). Benthic Surveys in Vatia, American Samoa: benthic images collected during belt transect surveys from 2015-11-02 to 2015-11-12 (NCEI Accession 0146680). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0146680. 2016-08-05 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0146680 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0146680 HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0146680 Related dataset information Coral Reef Ecosystem Program author Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection Coral Reef Ecosystem Program; Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2018). Benthic cover derived from photo transects in Vatia, American Samoa from 2015-11-02 to 2015-11-12 (NCEI Accession 0169726). NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0169726. 2018-01-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0169726 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0169726 HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0169726 Related dataset information Coral Reef Ecosystem Program author Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection eng; USA utf8 environment oceans -170.6754 -170.66831 -14.25067 -14.244537 2015-05-13 2018-08-28 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. PDF CSV JPEG 0.884 https://doi.org/10.25921/w2p3-de30 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/208020 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/208020 HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/nodc/archive/arc0150/0208020/ 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 0208020 v1.1 was published. 2019-12-10T21:28:11Z NCEI Accession 0208020 v1.1 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0208020/1.1 HTTPS NCEI Accession 0208020 v1.1 published 2019-12-10T21:28:11Z download dataset Parameter or Variable: NUTRIENTS (measured); Units: mg/L; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Niskin bottle; Sampling and Analyzing Method: • Nitrate and nitrite analyses were based on the methodology of Armstrong et al. (1967). • Ammonium analysis was based on the method of Harwood and Kuhn (1970) using dichloro-isocyanurate as the oxidizer. • Urea was measured using diacetyl-monoximine and themicarbozide with colorimetric analysis. • The total concentration of nitrogen was determined after an initial decomposition step. This method involves persulfate oxidation while heating the sample in an autoclave (115°C, 20 minutes) (Hansen and Koroleff, 1999). After oxidation of the samples, nitrogen determination was conducted on the Astoria Pacific analyzer for nitrate. • The total concentration of phosphorus were determined after an initial decomposition step. This method involves persulfate oxidation while heating the sample in an autoclave (115°C, 20 minutes) (Hansen and Koroleff 1999). After oxidation of the samples, phosphorus determination was conducted on the Astoria Pacific analyzer for orthophosphate. • Silicate determination was accomplished using the methods of Armstrong et al. (1967) using stannous chloride. For a complete description of the process and analyses see Whitall et al. (2019).; Data Quality Method: All laboratory data contained blanks, spikes and percent recoveries. Data were QA/QC’d using National Status and Trends protocols. For a complete description of the process and analyses see Whitall et al. (2019). Parameter or Variable: Caffeine (measured); Units: ng/L; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Niskin bottle; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Caffeine was quantified at Florida International University (sub-contract to TDI Brooks) using previously published methods (Wang 2012). The caffeine procedure is based on the combined performance of an Equan MAX Plus online Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) preconcentration system coupled to a high pressure liquid chromatography (LC) system equipped with resolution mass spectrometry detection using a QExactive orbitrap-based mass spectrometer (SPE-LC-HRMS). The analytical separation was carried out using a Hypersil Gold aQ column (100×2.1 mm, 1.9 μm) while the SPE pre-concentration column was a Hypersil Gold aQ (0.5×50 mm; Thermo Scientific, West Palm Beach, FL, USA). The automated online SPE clean-up and pre-concentration step was performed using only 10 mL of filtered water samples. The online procedure consists of a divertion valve on the mass spectrometer which is programmed by the data system to control the loading and elution of the two LC columns. In the load position, 10 mL of sample was injected into a 10-mL loop and then loaded onto a SPE column by the loading LC pump, followed by a wash step with 98:2 0.1% formic acid: acetonitrile to remove interferences (flow rate 2 mL/min). The target compounds were retained in the SPE column and the matrix that is not retained during the extraction process was directed to waste while simultaneously the analytical pump equilibrated the analytical column in the starting gradient conditions. After 5 min, when the valve was switched to inject position, the solvent flow through the SPE column was reversed, and the analytes were then backflushed with a gradient of acetronitrile and 0.1% formic acid onto a Hypersil Gold aQ column for separation and quantitation by heated electrospray ionization source (HESI)-MS/MS. After 7 min, the switching valve was returned to the loading position to allow the extraction column to be re-equilibrated with water. The samples were kept at 10 °C in the autosampler. The total run time per sample was 13 min. The analyte was detected on a Q-Exactive Mass spectrometer equipped with an HESI source operated in the positive mode. The capillary temperature was 350 °C with a discharge current of 4 kV and S-lens RF level of 80 %. Sheath gas and auxiliary gas (N2) were used at a flow rate of 30 and 20 arbitrary units, respectively. The analysis was performed in Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) (with an inclusion list of the exact mass of the target compounds) at a resolution of 35,000. Quantitation is performed by the internal standard approach (concentrations are calculated based on area ratio between the analyte and labeled internal standard) to correct for matrix effects and any losses in the online extraction step. The monitoring ions for caffeine were 195.0877 and 138.0662 and for the labelled caffeine (13C3 caffeine) was 198.0977. For a complete description of the process and analyses see Whitall et al. (2019).; Data Quality Method: All laboratory data contained blanks, spikes and percent recoveries. Data were QA/QC’d using National Status and Trends protocols. For a complete description of the process and analyses see Whitall et al. (2019). Parameter or Variable: Sucralose (measured); Units: ng/L; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: Niskin bottle; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Sucralose was quantified at Florida International University (sub-contract to TDI Brooks) using previously published methods (Batchu et al. 2015). The methodology for sucralose quantification is based on automated online solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-resolving-power orbitrap mass spectrometer (MS) detection. Operating in full scan (no collision-induced dissociation), detection of the unique isotopic pattern (100:96:31 for [M-H](-), [M-H+2](-), and [M-H+4](-), respectively) was used for ultra-trace quantitation and analyte identification. The method offers fast analysis (14 min per run) and low sample consumption (10 mL per sample) with method detection limits (MDLs) and method confirmation limits (MCLs) of 1.4 and 5.7 ng/L in seawater, respectively. For a complete description of the process and analyses see Whitall et al. (2019).; Data Quality Method: All laboratory data contained blanks, spikes and percent recoveries. Data were QA/QC’d using National Status and Trends protocols. For a complete description of the process and analyses see Whitall et al. (2019). asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian Niskin bottle Niskin bottle Device for obtaining samples of seawater at a specific depth Why special entry for Niskin bottle but no entry for Nansen bottle?