gov.noaa.nodc:0308219 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) Benthic photoquadrat imagery and benthic cover data collected in Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-21 (NCEI Accession 0308219) 2025-09-26 publication 2025-09-22 creation International DOI Foundation (IDF) 10.25921/z3ae-gw83 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0308219 NCEI Archive Management System 0308219 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 Lori Luers NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division nmfs.pic.credinfo@noaa.gov https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/ecosystem_sciences/ HTTPS NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division website Institution web page information resourceProvider NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/PIFSC) resourceProvider Joy Smith NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division joy.smith@noaa.gov https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/ecosystem_sciences/ HTTPS NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division website Institution web page information principalInvestigator Lori Luers NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division lori.luers@noaa.gov https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/ecosystem_sciences/ HTTPS NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division website Institution web page information pointOfContact Juliette Verstaen NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division juliette.verstaen@noaa.gov https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/ecosystem_sciences/ HTTPS NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division website Institution web page information collaborator Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center https://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/ecosystem_sciences/ HTTPS NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Ecosystem Sciences Division website Institution web page information author Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (CREP) http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cred HTTP Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (CREP) website Institution web page information contributor NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/PIFSC) contributor tableDigital This data package includes benthic imagery, raw benthic cover, mean benthic cover, and mean macroalgae cover data of Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa in 2024, produced from the benthic imagery analysis performed by the Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) of the Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) and funded by the Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP). Benthic imagery was collected at 20 randomly-selected sites during coral demographic surveys by the NOAA ESD during the 2024 fly-in mission to American Samoa (MP2502). After processing and sorting site photos, imagery was qualitatively analyzed using the web-based CoralNet image annotation tool. CoralNet projects random points on each image, and the benthic elements falling directly underneath each point are identified by trained scientists. Data from benthic surveys of Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef establishes a comprehensive biological baseline for land-based sources of pollution impacts on benthic composition and coral demography. These efforts feed into the higher-level CRCP objectives by establishing an in-situ tracking system to assess the effects of management and mitigation strategies and activities in the target watersheds to reduce land-based sources of pollution impacts on coral reefs. This data was funded by CRCP Project #31454 titled "Develop monitoring capacity of American Samoan jurisdictional partners and observing LBSP impacts on coral reefs". The focal point of this project was to establish a biological, water quality, and environmental conditions baseline for Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef. This work was aimed at identifying measurable spatial differences in the structure and composition of the benthic and coral community at both Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef that can be explained by measurable spatial patterns of water quality (nutrients and sediments) and environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, pH). This work is of fundamental importance for the development of future watershed management plans in Nu'uuli and will enable Federal and jurisdictional resource managers to more effectively assess the effectiveness of watershed management actions reducing land-based pollution and impacts to the adjacent coral reef ecosystems. Funding Agency: Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) Funding Agency: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/PIFSC) 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:0308219 Preview graphic PNG 0308219 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2025-09-09 publication BENTHIC COMMUNITIES BENTHIC SPECIES BENTHIC SPECIES - TAXA IDENTITIES biological data CORAL CORAL - SPECIES IDENTIFICATION HABITAT - BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SPECIES MACROALGAE PHOTOQUADRAT IMAGES REEF AND/OR BOTTOM REGIME - PERCENT COVER theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS camera photograph visual estimate instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS imagery in situ laboratory analyses visual estimate theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS Coral Reef Ecosystem Program NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center 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 ARP Archipelagic Research Program ESD Ecosystem Sciences Division PIFSC Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center 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 31454 Develop monitoring capacity of American Samoan jurisdictional partners and observing LBSP impacts on coral reefs project CRCP Project Numeric Data Sets > Benthic theme CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Benthic Habitat EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Aquatic Habitat > Reef Habitat EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Vegetation > Algae > Algal Cover EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Vegetation > Algae > Crustose Coralline Algae EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Vegetation > Algae > Encrusting Macroalgae EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Vegetation > Algae > Fleshy Macroalgae EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Vegetation > Algae > Turf Algae EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Baseline studies EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Benthos Analysis EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Benthos Analysis > Transect Monitoring EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Benthos Analysis > Transect Monitoring > Belt Transect EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Photographic Analysis EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology > Benthic Biology EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology > Coral Cover EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Coral Reefs > Coral Reef Ecology > Hard Coral Cover EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Coral Communities EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Marine Invertebrates theme CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/INVERTEBRATES EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > PLANTS > MACROALGAE (SEAWEEDS) EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > BENTHIC 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 CoralNet instrument Provider Instruments LBSP land-based source pollution theme Provider Keywords CAMERA > CAMERA VISUAL OBSERVATIONS > VISUAL OBSERVATIONS 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 > Nu'uuli (14S170W0037) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > Tutuila Island > Nu'uuli (14S170W0037) 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 American Samoa Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon place Provider Place Names 9DJBP9 Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions Cite as: Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2025). Benthic photoquadrat imagery and benthic cover data collected in Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-21 (NCEI Accession 0308219). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/z3ae-gw83. 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) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 2025: Benthic photoquadrat imagery and benthic cover data collected in Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-21 2025 publication https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/74828 HTTPS https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/74828 InPort Metadata Record information NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/PIFSC) publisher tableDigital crossReference Lamirand, M. (2022). Analysis of Benthic Survey Images via CoralNet: A Summary of Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines (2022 update) Public Version. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Administrative Report H; 22-03. https://doi.org/10.25923/nhx2-6j45 2022 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.25923/nhx2-6j45 https://doi.org/10.25923/nhx2-6j45 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.25923/nhx2-6j45 Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center administrative report information Lamirand, Mia author Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (U.S.) publisher documentDigital Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center administrative report H; 22-03 crossReference userGuide Lozada-Misa, P., Schumacher, B., & Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo, 1965-. (20 C.E.). Analysis of benthic survey images via CoralNet : a summary of standard operating procedures and guidelines. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. https://doi.org/10.7289/v5/ar-pifsc-h-17-02 1965 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.7289/v5/ar-pifsc-h-17-02 https://doi.org/10.7289/v5/ar-pifsc-h-17-02 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.7289/v5/ar-pifsc-h-17-02 Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center administrative report information Lozada-Misa, Paula author Schumacher, Brett author Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo, 1965- author U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center publisher documentDigital U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center crossReference userGuide eng; USA utf8 environment oceans imageryBaseMapsEarthCover biota -170.7107 -170.6999 -14.32444 -14.3178 2024-11-11 2024-11-21 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 JPEG 5589.236 https://doi.org/10.25921/z3ae-gw83 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/308219 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/308219 HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/nodc/archive/arc0239/0308219/ 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 0308219 v1.1 was published. 2025-09-26T12:38:23Z NCEI Accession 0308219 v1.1 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0308219/1.1 HTTPS NCEI Accession 0308219 v1.1 published 2025-09-26T12:38:23Z download dataset Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC COMMUNITIES (calculated); Units: unitless; Observation Category: visual estimate; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Benthic habitat images collected during photoquadrat surveys are quantitatively analyzed visually with the assistance of a web-based, machine-learning, image annotation tool, CoralNet. The robot tool annotates ten random points on each image for a total of 300 points per site, which are then reviewed by human analysts. The human annotations are then used to train the robot. This data is the final form of the robot-assisted human annotations. Taxa identification occurs at three functional group levels of benthic cover. Tier 1 (e.g., hard coral, soft coral, macroalgae, turf algae, etc.), Tier 2 (e.g., Hard Coral = massive, branching, foliose, encrusting, etc.; Macroalgae = upright macroalgae, encrusting macroalgae, bluegreen macroalgae, and Halimeda, etc.), and Tier 3 (e.g., Hard Coral = Astreopora sp, Favia sp, Pocillopora, etc.; Macroalgae = Caulerpa sp, Dictyosphaeria sp, Padina sp, etc.); Data Quality Method: ACCURACY: 1) Each analyst is required to complete training and a calibration exercise prior to image analysis (classification/annotation), and follows the Benthic Image Analysis Standard Operating Procedure (Lozada-Misa et al. 2017). For a calibration exercise, a subset of photos (~100-150) are selected from the production series and CoralNet assigns 10 random fixed points per photo. Each analyst classifies the same set of points for each of the photos used in the calibration exercise. The goal of the calibration exercise is to assess inter-observer variability. 2) Handheld GPS units were used to locate random sites and mark site locations. COMPLETENESS REPORT: The data set derived from the image analysis is as good as the images themselves; poor images with low contrast, inappropriate white balance, or out of focus may have to be discarded. Therefore, benthic estimates for some sites may derive from differing numbers of points between sites. Although the analysis process is statistically robust to allow for differing n (points) between sites, users should be aware of this limitation. Parameter or Variable: BENTHIC SPECIES - TAXA IDENTITIES (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: photograph; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Taxa identified by annotators using CoralNet. CoralNet projects random points on each image, and the benthic elements falling directly underneath each point are identified by trained scientists. Parameter or Variable: PHOTOQUADRAT IMAGES (measured); Units: none; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Benthic imagery was collected at 20 randomly-selected sites during coral demographic surveys.; Data Quality Method: Images were processed and sorted by divers. Imagery was later qualitatively analyzed using the web-based CoralNet image annotation tool. asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian camera camera An instrument for recording images. photograph photograph still images used as the basis for making parameter determinations visual estimate visual estimate not an instrument - maybe an observation type