gov.noaa.nodc:0294276 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 2025-12-14T19:43:36Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) 2019 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest and Mesophotic Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0294276) 2024-11-12 publication 2024-06-24 creation NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0294276 NCEI Archive Management System 0294276 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 Kelly O'Connell Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) kelly.oconnell@noaa.gov https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information resourceProvider Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information resourceProvider Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) kelly.oconnell@noaa.gov https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information principalInvestigator O'Connell, Kelly Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information author Blakeway, Raven D. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information author Nuttall, Marissa F. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information author Hickerson, Emma L. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information author Schmahl, G.P. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information author Sinclair, James Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement author Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information contributor tableDigital This dataset contains raw and processed data from an annual long-term monitoring study that documents the benthic and fish community changes at Stetson Bank, in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Bank crest monitoring includes random transect and repetitive photostation photographs of the benthos to estimate percent cover of major taxonomic groups (e.g., coral, sponge, algae). Benthic photographs are analyzed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) and output into Microsoft Excel worksheets. Fish census surveys are conducted annually using a modified Bohnsack and Bannerot stationary method, both at random and repetitive sites. Fish data are recorded in Microsoft Excel worksheets. Water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, turbidity, nutrients) are measured with moored conductivity temperature depth (CTD) instruments and quarterly profiles of the water column are performed. Temperature and salinity data are reduced to report daily averages. In 2015, monitoring efforts were expanded to include the deeper mesophotic habitat (34-64 m) surrounding the bank crest using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Mesophotic monitoring includes random transect and repetitive photostation photographs of the benthos to estimate percent cover of major taxonomic groups (e.g., coral, sponge, algae). Repetitive photostation images are only assessed using qualitative summaries of key species identified in 2015 during installation. Random transect photographs are analyzed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) and output into Microsoft Excel worksheets. Fish census surveys are conducted annually in conjunction with benthic transect surveys. Fish data are recorded in Microsoft Excel worksheets. The bank crest benthic community at Stetson Bank has undergone several significant shifts, changing from a habitat predominated by hydrocoral and sponges to one of macroalgae and sponges. The fish community on the bank crest has varied annually. Exotic fish species are present at the bank, including lionfish (Pterois volitans/P. miles) and regal demoiselle (Neopomacentrus cyanomos). Fluctuations in oceanic conditions, macroalgae cover, and continued annual variation in fish communities were documented. Since 1995, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, has monitored the health of the reefs at Stetson Bank. Stetson Bank is an uplifted claystone/siltstone feature, located 75 nautical miles from Galveston, TX in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, that supports a well-developed benthic community of scleractinian coral and tropical marine sponges. Due to a wide range of temperatures and variable light availability, Stetson Bank has marginal environmental conditions for coral reef development and growth. The fish community is similar to other Caribbean reefs but has comparatively lower diversity. Monitoring has occurred on the bank crest (17-34 m) of the site since 1993. The monitoring effort is designed to assess the health of the reefs through the evaluation of changes in living coral and other benthic community cover, coral growth rates, reef fish population dynamics, water quality, benthic contamination, and other indices of reef vitality. The assessment allows detection of changes in the reef communities, including detection of possible anthropogenic influence (specifically oil and gas impacts). Funding Agency: Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Funding Agency: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 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:0294276 Preview graphic PNG 0294276 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2024-04-10 publication AMMONIA (NH3) ARAGONITE SATURATION STATE BENTHIC SPECIES CARBON - CARBONATE CHLOROPHYLL A CORAL CORAL - SPECIES IDENTIFICATION DISSOLVED INORGANIC CARBON (DIC) FISH SPECIES FISHERY SURVEY NITRATE NITROGEN NUTRIENTS partial pressure of carbon dioxide - water pH SALINITY species abundance SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - COUNT SPONGE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION total alkalinity TOTAL PHOSPHORUS Video Transect Images WATER TEMPERATURE theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS CTD CTD - moored CTD photograph swimmer/diver temperature sensor turbidity sensor video camera instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS in situ laboratory analyses theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS LONG TERM MONITORING EAST-WEST FLOWER GARDEN BANKS project NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Gulf of Mexico place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication DOC/NOAA/NOS/NMS > National Marine Sanctuaries, 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 EARTH SCIENCE > AGRICULTURE > AGRICULTURAL AQUATIC SCIENCES > FISHERIES EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/INVERTEBRATES > SPONGES EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > FISH EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > ALKALINITY EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > AMMONIA EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > CARBON DIOXIDE EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > CARBONATE EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > CHLOROPHYLL EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > INORGANIC CARBON EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NITRATE EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NITROGEN EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > NUTRIENTS EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN CHEMISTRY > PH EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN TEMPERATURE > WATER TEMPERATURE EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SALINITY/DENSITY > SALINITY EARTH SCIENCE > SOLID EARTH > GEOMORPHIC LANDFORMS/PROCESSES > COASTAL LANDFORMS > CORAL REEFS EARTH SCIENCE > SPECTRAL/ENGINEERING > VISIBLE WAVELENGTHS > VISIBLE IMAGERY 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 BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC RANDOM TRANSECT) BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC REPETITIVE PHOTOSTATIONS) BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST RANDOM TRANSECT) BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST REPETITIVE PHOTOSTATIONS) BENTHIC SPECIES - TAXA COUNTS (URCHIN AND LOBSTER REEF CREST) FISH CENSUS (MESOPHOTIC) FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST) Video Transect WATER QUALITY (MOORED) WATER QUALITY (PROFILES) WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES) theme Provider Keywords CTD > Conductivity, Temperature, Depth TEMPERATURE SENSORS > TEMPERATURE SENSORS TURBIDITY METERS > TURBIDITY METERS VIDEO CAMERA > VIDEO CAMERA 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 R/V Manta platform Provider Platform Names OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF AMERICA OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF MEXICO 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 Northwest Gulf of Mexico Stetson Bank place Provider Place Names J9ND1A Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions Cite as: O'Connell, Kelly; Blakeway, Raven D.; Nuttall, Marissa F.; Hickerson, Emma L.; Schmahl, G.P.; Sinclair, James (2024). 2019 Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary Long-Term Monitoring of the Reef Crest and Mesophotic Benthic and Fish Communities of Stetson Bank, northwestern Gulf of Mexico (NCEI Accession 0294276). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0294276. 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. Stetson Bank Long Term Monitoring Annual Report 2019 publication https://nmsflowergarden.blob.core.windows.net/flowergarden-prod/media/archive/doc/reports/2019researchreport.pdf HTTPS https://nmsflowergarden.blob.core.windows.net/flowergarden-prod/media/archive/doc/reports/2019researchreport.pdf Annual Report information Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/ HTTPS Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) website Institution web page information publisher crossReference program eng; USA utf8 environment oceans biota -94.31 -94.29 28.15 28.17 2019-01-01 2019-12-31 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 Text File MP4 PDF JPEG ARW CPC 9588.704 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0294276 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/294276 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/294276 HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/nodc/archive/arc0236/0294276/ 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 0294276 v1.1 was published. 2024-11-12T14:56:18Z NCEI Accession 0294276 v1.1 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0294276/1.1 HTTPS NCEI Accession 0294276 v1.1 published 2024-11-12T14:56:18Z download dataset Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST REPETITIVE PHOTOSTATIONS) (measured); Units: Percent Cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Bank crest repetitive photostations were selected within an area of dense high relief features harboring diverse benthic communities and marked by scuba divers using nails or eyebolts and numbered tags. Permanent mooring buoys 1, 2, and 3 were used for this study to enable easy access to the site by scuba divers. Repetitive photostations were installed on biologically interesting locations on high relief habitat, which included sites with scleractinian corals and sponges. In 1993, a total of 36 permanent photostations were installed. Over time several of these stations have been lost due to the dynamic environment at Stetson Bank (e.g., algal overgrowth, storm impacts, and fragile substrate). To maintain a sufficient number of repetitive photostation sites, new stations have been established, as needed, following the same selection criteria. Each station is located by scuba divers and photographed annually. Images were captured using a Sony A6500 digital camera in a Nauticam NA-A6500 housing with a Nikkor Nikonos 15 mm underwater lens mounted to a T-frame set at 1.75 m from the substrate, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1.2 m apart. A set of lasers were mounted to the pole of the T-frame, fixed at 30 cm, for spatial scale reference. To ensure repeatability of the area captured in each image, a compass and bubble level were mounted to the center of the T-frame to allow images to be taken in a vertical and northward orientation. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Thirty points were randomly overlaid on each image and the benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (REEF CREST RANDOM TRANSECT) (measured); Units: Percent Cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Transect sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. A still camera, mounted on a 0.65 m T-frame with a bubble level and strobes, was used to capture non-overlapping images of the reef, where each image captured approximately 0.8 x 0.6 m (0.48 m^2). Each transect was designed to capture 8.16 m^2 of benthic habitat, therefore requiring 17 images. Spooled fiberglass 15 m measuring tapes with 17 pre-marked intervals (every 0.8 m) were used as guides, providing a 0.2 m buffer between each image to prevent overlap. A Canon Power Shot® G11 digital camera in an Ikelite® housing with a 28 mm equivalent wet mount lens adaptor, with two Inon® Z240 strobes set 1 m apart on the T-frame, was used. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Five hundred points per transect were distributed evenly amongst images and then randomly overlaid on each image. The benthos lying directly under each point was identified.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC REPETITIVE PHOTOSTATIONS) (measured); Units: Qualitative; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Mesophotic permanent repetitive photostations were installed by ROV at biologically interesting sites ranging from 35.8 to 54.7 m depth. Locations were selected along hard bottom features in both coralline algae and deep reef habitat using historical ROV data. Photostations were physical marked with concrete block (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm x 15.2 cm) weighing 25 kg in air. The latitude and longitude of each site were recorded using the ROVs navigation system. Subsequently, the recorded latitude and longitude were used to locate each station. To create repeatable images annually, each station was assigned a heading from which the ROV oriented itself and collected high definition video imagery of the site, with the marker in view, and the original site images used for reference. From this video, still frames for each repetitive station were extracted. A downward facing photograph of each station was also captured, with the ROV positioned directly above the station marker, approximately 1 m above the bottom. The SubAtlantic Mohawk 18 ROV, owned by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) and FGBNMS, and operated by University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Undersea Vehicle Program (UNCW- UVP), was used. The ROV was equipped with an Insite Pacific Mini Zeus II HD video camera with two Deep Sea Power & Light 3100 LED lights, a tool skid with an ECA Robotics five-function all-electric manipulator, and two parallel spot lasers set at 10cm in both the video and still camera frames for scale. Qualitative summaries of still frame image from the high definition video and downward facing still camera were conducted using ImageJ and Microsoft Excel. In 2015, key features were identified in each imaged and outlined using a color-coded key in Adobe Illustrator (e.g., scleractinian coral colonies). Key biological features were assigned a code using the first two letters of the genus and species name, along with a unique number for the image. (e.g., StIn_1 = Stephanocoenia intersepta colony 1). Measurements of key stony coral, octocoral, and black coral specimens were made using ImageJ and the reference scale lasers. Key features were compared between subsequent years, when possible. Comparisons document the loss, reduction, or expansion of key features and changes in general condition.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES (MESOPHOTIC RANDOM TRANSECT) (measured); Units: Percent cover; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Transect sites were selected within potential hard bottom habitat to exclude soft bottom habitat. Habitat was defined using 2 m resolution bathymetry raster with focal statistics calculated for range (minimum to maximum depth) within a 5 m x 5 m rectangle. Cells with a depth range >1 m were identified as potential habitat. A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to depths greater than those conducted by scuba divers on the bank crest. Annually, 30 survey sites were randomly generated within mesophotic habitat, distributed proportionality by area between habitats: 15 in coralline algae reef and 15 in deep reef. The same SubAtlantic Mohawk 18 ROV described in Field Methods for repetitive photostations was used. Images were collected with the ROV still camera facing downward, perpendicular to the substrate. Transects started at each of the random drop sites and continued for 10-minutes along hard bottom habitat while the ROV traveled at one meter above the bottom, at a speed of approximately 1 knot per hour, taking downward facing images every 30 seconds. Mesophotic transects images were processed to remove silted, shadowed, out of focus, or soft bottom images (images with <50% hard bottom). If a transect did not have at least nine useable images, it was removed from the analysis. Percent cover was calculated using CPCe® (Kohler & Gill 2006). Five hundred points per transect were distributed evenly amongst images and then randomly overlaid on each image. The benthos lying directly under each point was identified. Habitats are based on definitions in Schmahl G.P., Hickerson E.L., Precht W.F. (2008) Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs and Coral Communities in the Flower Garden Banks Region, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. In: Riegl B.M., Dodge R.E. (eds) Coral Reefs of the USA. Coral Reefs of the World, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6847-8_6; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (REEF CREST) (measured); Units: (#/100m^2); Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Scuba divers, using the modified Bohnsack and Bannerot (1986) stationary visual fish census technique, restricted observations to an imaginary cylinder with a radius of 7.5 m, extending from the benthos to the surface. All fish species observed within the first five minutes of the survey were recorded as the diver slowly rotated in place above the bottom. Immediately following this five-minute observation period, one rotation was conducted for each species noted in the original five-minute period to record abundance (number of individuals per species) and fork length (within size bins). Size was binned into eight groups; <5 cm, ≥5 to <10 cm, ≥10 to <15 cm, ≥15 to <20 cm, ≥20 to <25 cm, ≥25 to <30 cm, ≥30 to <35 cm. If fish were >35 cm, each individual size was recorded based on visual estimation by divers. Divers carried a 1 m PVC pole marked in 10 cm increments to provide a reference for size estimation. Each survey required, at minimum, 15 minutes to complete. Transitory or schooling species were counted and measured at the time they moved through the cylinder during the initial five-minute period. Notes on the habitat within each survey area were obtained, including information on benthic relief Surveys began after sunrise and were repeated throughout the day until dusk. There were two survey types: Random and Repetitive. Random survey start location were selected in conjuction with random transects. Survey sites were selected within high and low relief habitat, defined using 1 m^2 resolution bathymetric data. Depth range was calculated with a 5 m x 5 m rectangular window, and reclassified to define low relief habitat (<1 m range) and high relief habitat (>1.1 m range). A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to within depths that would allow scuba divers sufficient time to conduct surveys and avoid decompression. Sites were distributed proportionally by area between habitats: 20 low relief sites and 10 high relief sites. Repetitive survey sites were co-located with select benthic repetitive photostations where the station marker was the center of the fish survey cylinder. Counts were converted to density per 100m^2; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: FISH CENSUS (MESOPHOTIC) (measured); Units: (#/100m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: video camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Fish were visually assessed by ROV using forward facing video footage obtained from mesophotic random transects. Observations of fish were restricted to the field of view of the ROV’s forward facing high definition video camera. Transect sites were selected within potential hard bottom habitat to exclude soft bottom habitat. Habitat was defined using 2 m resolution bathymetry raster with focal statistics calculated for range (minimum to maximum depth) within a 5 m x 5 m rectangle. Cells with a depth range >1 m were identified as potential habitat. A 33.5 m contour was used to restrict the extent of the layer, limiting surveys to depths greater than those conducted by scuba divers on the bank crest. Sites were randomly generated within mesophotic habitat, distributed proportionality by area between habitats: 15 in coralline algae reef and 15 in deep reef. The SubAtlantic Mohawk 18 ROV was used. Transects started at each of the random drop sites and continued for 10-minutes along hard bottom habitat while the ROV traveled at one meter above the bottom, at a speed of approximately 1 knot per hour. Counts were converted to density per 100m^2. Habitats are based on definitions in Schmahl G.P., Hickerson E.L., Precht W.F. (2008) Biology and Ecology of Coral Reefs and Coral Communities in the Flower Garden Banks Region, Northwestern Gulf of Mexico. In: Riegl B.M., Dodge R.E. (eds) Coral Reefs of the USA. Coral Reefs of the World, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6847-8_6.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: Video Transect (measured); Units: N/A; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: video camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Sampling and Analyzing Method: Video transects were conducted along three permanent 100 m transects. Each transect was marked using eyebolts every 25 m. Bolts were marked with the transect number and the eyebolt position along the transect. Transect start locations are available on the site maps. Before recording on video, a line was laid between the eyebolts to mark the transect. Video was recorded using a Sony® Handycam® HDR-CX350 HD video camera in a Light and Motion® Stingray G2® housing. A two-meter-long plumb bob was secured to the front of the camera housing to maintain distance above the bottom. The diver swam along the transect line, following the line with the plumb bob, maintaining the camera at a 45o angle to the seafloor.; Data Quality Method: N/A Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES - TAXA COUNTS (URCHIN AND LOBSTER REEF CREST) (measured); Units: (#/100m^2); Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: swimmer/diver; photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Due to the nocturnal nature of these species, visual surveys are conducted at night, a minimum of 1.5 hours after sunset. Two repetitive belt transects, 2 m wide and ~100 m long, are conducted by dive teams along lines between permanent mooring buoys (from buoy #1 to #2 [100 m] and #2 to #3 [110 m]). One additional belt transect, 2 m wide and 50 m long (from buoy #3 to repetitive photostation #27) is also conducted. In total, 520 m2 are surveyed. Along each transect line, long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum), Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus), and slipper lobster species (Scyllaridae) are counted. In addition, sea urchin counts are conducted on both repetitive photostation images and random transect images, ollected during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset). The abundance of long-spined sea urchin, Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), spotted spiny lobster (Panulirus guttatus), and slipper lobster species (Scyllaridae) is recorded at each photostation and along each transect.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (MOORED) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: CTD - moored CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Method: Water temperature and salinity on the crest of Stetson Bank (24 m), was collected continuously using a Sea-Bird® Electronics Inc. 16plus V2 CTD, equipped with a WET Labs ECO NTUS turbidity meter. The loggers were installed on a large railroad wheel in the midsection of the bank crest. The instrument was downloaded quarterly and factory service of the instrument was performed annually. Onset® Computer Corporation HOBO® Pro v2 U22-001 thermographs were used as a backup to the Sea-Bird instrument and recorded temperature on an hourly basis. A HOBO® thermograph deployed at the 30 m station, located on the northerly edge of the bank crest, recorded temperature hourly. Another HOBO® thermograph was installed at 40 m, also along the northern edge of the bank crest, to record temperature hourly. The loggers were downloaded and maintained on a quarterly basis. The HOBO® thermistors were attached to eyebolts embedded in the substrate. Due to instrument download schedule, some data from the previous and subsequent year are included in this data package. All measurements were later processed to daily averages.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (PROFILES) (measured); Units: degrees C; psu; pH; DO; turbidity; fluorescence; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Water column profiles were collected using a Sea-Bird Electronics 19plus V2 to record temperature, salinity, pH (on NBS scale), turbidity, fluorescence, and dissolved oxygen (DO) every 1⁄4 second during the column profiles. Data were recorded following an initial soaking period, on the down cast phase of each deployment, while the CTD was brought to the surface at a rate <1 m/sec.; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. Parameter or Variable: WATER QUALITY (SAMPLES) (measured); Units: variety; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Method: Water samples for nutrient and seawater carbonate chemistry parameters were collected quarterly. Samples were collected using a sampling carousel equipped with a Sea-Bird® Electronics 19plus V2 CTD and six OceanTest® Corporation 2.5 liter Niskin bottles, with bottles activated at specific depths. When this instrument was not available due to maintenance or operational issues, samples were collected using a manually triggered handheld Niskin bottle, lowered on a measured line. Each quarter, three nutrient samples, with one replicate for each depth, were collected near the seafloor (approximately 20 m depth), mid-water (10 m depth) and near the surface (1 m depth). Ocean carbonate samples were collected at identical depth intervals, with one replicate collected with the surface (1 m) sample. Once samples were collected, subsamples were transferred as follows: chlorophyll-a subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml brown glass containers with no preservatives; reactive soluble phosphorous subsamples were placed in 250 ml white plastic bottles with no preservatives; and ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and total nitrogen subsamples were transferred to 1000 ml white plastic bottles and preserved with sulfuric acid. Within minutes of sampling, labeled sample containers were stored on ice at 4 °C and a chain of custody was initiated for processing at an EPA certified laboratory. The samples were transported and delivered to A&B Laboratories in Houston, TX within twenty-four hours of collection. Water samples for seawater carbonate chemistry measurements were collected following methods requested by the Carbon Cycle Laboratory (CCL) at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Samples were collected in ground neck borsilicate glass bottles. Bottles were filled using a 30 cm plastic tube connected to the filler valve of the Niskin bottle. Bottles were rinsed three times using the sample water, filled carefully to reduce bubble formation, and overflowed by at least 200 ml. A total of100 μl of saturated HgCl2was added to each bottle, which was then capped and the stopped was sealed with Apiezon® grease and secured with a rubber band. The bottles were then inverted vigorously to ensure homogeneous distribution of HgCl2. Samples were then stored at 4 °C and sent to CCL at TAMU-CC, in Corpus Christi, TX. Each sample was analyzed for pH, alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), saturation state with respect to aragonite (Ωaragonite).; Data Quality Method: Data were reviewed by trained observers for quality and accuracy. asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian CTD CTD Conductivity-Temperature-Depth probe CTD - moored CTD CTD - moored CTD CTD - moored CTD photograph photograph still images used as the basis for making parameter determinations swimmer/diver swimmer/diver not an instrument - use as observation type temperature sensor temperature sensor A sensor used to measure temperature. turbidity sensor turbidity sensor Measures the turbidity of water Turbidity sensors measure the amount of light that is scattered by suspended solids in a liquid, such as water. When the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in a liquid increase, the turbidity also increases. video camera video camera a camera which makes moving or still images used as the basis for making parameter determinations