gov.noaa.nodc:0307838 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 Surveys in Nu’uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa: comprehensive assessment of coral demography (adult and juvenile corals) from belt transect surveys from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-21 (NCEI Accession 0307838) 2025-09-26 publication 2025-09-11 creation International DOI Foundation (IDF) 10.25921/b3t7-5a64 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:0307838 NCEI Archive Management System 0307838 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 US DOC/NOAA/NMFS/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Honolulu Laboratory contributor tableDigital This dataset includes coral demographic data of Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef, American Samoa. Surveys were conducted by snorkelers from the Ecosystem Sciences Division (ESD) of the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), in collaboration American Samoa's Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources and the Coral Reef Advisory Group. Benthic coral demographic surveys were conducted within belt transects of specified length and width for two life stages (juveniles and adults) in Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef, American Samoa in November 2024. Surveys were conducted at 20 randomly-selected sites and provide information on adult coral colony counts, morphology, size, partial mortality (old and recent dead), presence of disease and other compromised health conditions, including bleaching. Juvenile colony surveys include morphology and size. Taxonomic identification of adult colonies is to the species level (where possible) and genus level for juveniles. The survey design and site selection of stratified-random sites (StRS) follows protocols established by the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP). 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. The focal point of this project was to establish a comprehensive ecological and water quality baseline for Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef. This work aims at identifying measurable spatial differences in the structure and composition of the benthic and coral community at Nu'uuli that can be explained by measurable spatial patterns of water quality (nutrients and sediments) and environmental conditions (pH, temperature, salinity). 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) 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:0307838 Preview graphic PNG 0307838 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2025-09-05 publication biological data CORAL CORAL - CENSUS CORAL - COLONY SIZE CORAL - SPECIES IDENTIFICATION theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS swimmer/diver visual observation instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS in situ survey - biological survey - coral reef survey - swimmer/diver theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS US DOC/NOAA/NMFS/Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Honolulu Laboratory 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 > Biology theme CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Coral Diseases EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Coral Mortality EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Damage Assessment > Pollution 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 > Transect Monitoring > Belt Transect EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > Coral Colony Size and Condition EARTH SCIENCE > Biosphere > Zoology > Corals > Reef Monitoring and Assessment > In Situ Biological 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 > Marine Biology > Coral EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Coral Communities theme CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOSYSTEMS > MARINE ECOSYSTEMS > REEF > CORAL REEF EARTH SCIENCE > SOLID EARTH > GEOMORPHIC LANDFORMS/PROCESSES > COASTAL LANDFORMS > CORAL REEFS 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 COLONY - RECENT MORTALITY CAUSE CORAL - BLEACHING SEVERITY CORAL - CONDITION EXTENT CORAL - HEALTH CONDITION CORAL - MORPHOLOGY CORAL - MORTALITY theme Provider Keywords 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 JRBG1J Send2NCEI Submission Package ID accessLevel: public otherRestrictions Cite as: Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (2025). Benthic Surveys in Nu’uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa: comprehensive assessment of coral demography (adult and juvenile corals) from belt transect surveys from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-21 (NCEI Accession 0307838). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.25921/b3t7-5a64. 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 Surveys in Nu'uuli Pala Lagoon and Backreef in American Samoa: comprehensive assessment of coral demography (adult and juvenile corals) from belt transects from 2024-11-11 to 2024-11-21 2025 publication https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/74830 HTTPS https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/74830 InPort Metadata Record information NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NMFS/PIFSC) publisher tableDigital crossReference Winston, M., Couch, C., Huntington, B., & Vargas-Ángel, B. (2020). Ecosystem Sciences Division Standard Operating Procedures: Data Collection for Rapid Ecological Assessment Benthic Surveys: 2019 update. National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. https://doi.org/10.25923/ws5s-km69 2020 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.25923/ws5s-km69 https://doi.org/10.25923/ws5s-km69 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.25923/ws5s-km69 NOAA Technical Memorandum information Winston, Morgan author Couch, Courtney author Huntington, Brittany author Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo author National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center publisher documentDigital National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center crossReference userGuide Vargas-Ángel, B. (2020). Status and Trends Assessment of Benthic Coral Reef Communities in Vatia Bay, American Samoa, 2015–2020. Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (U.S.). https://doi.org/10.25923/r7dd-wg50 2020 publication International DOI Foundation (IDF) https://doi.org/10.25923/r7dd-wg50 https://doi.org/10.25923/r7dd-wg50 HTTPS https://doi.org/10.25923/r7dd-wg50 PIFSC Data Report information Vargas-Ángel, Bernardo author Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (U.S.) publisher documentDigital Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (U.S.) crossReference eng; USA utf8 environment oceans biota -170.7107 -170.6999 -14.32444 -14.31784 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 1.336 https://doi.org/10.25921/b3t7-5a64 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/307838 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/307838 HTTPS Web browser HTTPS Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. download ftp://ftp-oceans.ncei.noaa.gov/nodc/archive/arc0239/0307838/ 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 0307838 v1.1 was published. 2025-09-26T12:41:29Z NCEI Accession 0307838 v1.1 publication https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0307838/1.1 HTTPS NCEI Accession 0307838 v1.1 published 2025-09-26T12:41:29Z download dataset Parameter or Variable: CORAL - CENSUS (measured); Units: counts; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Number of coral colonies of a specific taxon per survey area; Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - SPECIES IDENTIFICATION (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Identification of all colonies per survey area to the lowest taxonomic level possible (species or genus); Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - MORPHOLOGY (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Coral colony morphology -i.e. massive, branching, encrusting, etc. noted; Data Quality Method: information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - COLONY SIZE (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Coral colony maximum diameter measured to the nearest centimeter for adults and 5 millimeter for juveniles; Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - MORTALITY (measured); Units: percent; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Partial colony mortality visually estimated as percent of colony, in terms of old dead and recent dead; Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: COLONY - RECENT MORTALITY CAUSE (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Cause of recent mortality identified if possible; Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - HEALTH CONDITION (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The condition of each colony in terms of disease (not attributed to recent tissue loss) and bleaching was noted; Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - CONDITION EXTENT (measured); Units: percent; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The extent of condition visually estimated as percent of the colony affected by disease and/or bleaching; Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - BLEACHING SEVERITY (measured); Units: rank; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey -swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Colony bleaching severity (scale of 1-5 from mild to acute); Data Quality Method: Information Parameter or Variable: CORAL - CENSUS (measured); Units: unitless; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: survey - swimmer/diver; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Colony configuration as a fragment or not; Data Quality Method: Information asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian swimmer/diver swimmer/diver not an instrument - use as observation type visual observation visual observation not an instrument - maybe an observation type