Using the SEAMAP Ichthyoplankton Databases

The following document is intended to serve as a basic guideline 

for working with SEAMAP ichthyoplankton data. The goal of which is to 

familiarize users with the primary data structures and variables, as 

well as give users insight into how the data may be used for analysis. 

The document will assume that users of these database files are 

familiar with basic database manipulations such as merges, sorts and 

the creation and/or deletion or variables (fields). Concepts for 

working to achieve specific goals will be outlined in broad concepts. 

This will allow users to utilize their own preferred methods for 

database manipulation and analysis. The document is broken up into 

three sections. Section I, is a listing of database structures, 

variable definitions and listings of codes specific to each variable. 

Section II, describes the relationships within and among the databases.

Section III, addresses concepts on how to utilize the databases to 

quantitatively summarize data on fish eggs and larvae with comments on 

issues regarding specific variables necessary for quantification.

SECTION I

Data Structures

The 3 primary databases necessary to summarize data on fish eggs 

and larvae are the STATCARD, ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK. The STATCARD 

contains information on where and when sampling operations (stations) 

have taken places. The ICHSTRWK contains information on the plankton 

samples taken at each station. While the ICHSARWK contains information 

on the individual taxa collected in each sample. Each of the database 

structures and its variables are outlined below:

STATCARD Database File Structure

Field Name = database variable name

Type = character, numeric or date variable

Wid = width/format

Dec = number of decimal places in field if applicable

Range/Table = valid range of values or code table listing

Req = Minimum required fields

Units = Units recorded in

Field Name Type Wid Dec Range/Table Req Units

1 CRUISE_NO Char 3 *

2 VESSEL Char 2 VESSELS *

3 P_STA_NO Char 5 *

4 TIME_ZN Char 1 TIMEZONE *

5 MIL_TIME Char 4 0000 - 2359 * hrs, min

6 S_LATD Num 2 0 <= x <= 90 * degrees

7 S_LATM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes

8 S_LATH Char 1 N or X

9 S_LOND Num 3 0 <= x <= 180 * degrees

10 S_LONM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes

11 S_LONH Char 1 W or X

12 ST_DEPTH Num 6 1 x > 0 * fathoms

13 S_STA_NO Char 5

14 MO_DAY_YR Date 8 * mm/dd/yy

15 END_TIME Char 4 0000 - 2359 hrs, min
16 E_LATD Num 2 0 <= x <= 90 degrees

17 E_LATM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes

18 E_LATH Char 1 N or X

19 E_LOND Num 3 0 <= x <= 180 degrees

20 E_LONM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes

21 E_LONH Char 1 W or X

22 EDEPTH Num 6 1 x > 0 fathoms

23 GEARS Char 14 GEARTYPE

24 SURF_TEMP Num 5 2 -1.1 <= x <= 34 deg (C)

25 BOT_TEMP Num 5 2 -1.1 <= x <= 32 deg (C)

26 AIR_TEMP Num 4 1 x > -10 deg (C)

27 B_PRSSR Num 6 1 880 <= x <= 1032 millibars

or x = 0

28 WIND_SPD Num 2 0 <= x <= 50 knots

29 WIND_DIR Num 3 0 <= x <= 360 compass deg

30 WAVE_HT Num 4 1 0 <= x <= 10 meters

31 SEA_COND Char 1 0 - 9 Beaufort Scale

32 DATA_CODE Char 2 DATACODE *

33 VESSEL_SPD Num 4 1 0 < x <= 60 knots

34 STAT_ZONE Num 5 1 x > 0

35 TOW_NO Char 1 1 - 9

36 NET_NO Char 1 1 - 3

37 COMMENT Char 111

Explanation Of STATCARD Variables

CRUISE_NO

3-character cruise code.

VESSEL

2-character vessel code. Valid Values are:

01 OREGON

02 SILVER BAY

03 GEORGE M. BOWERS

04 OREGON II

05 COMBAT

06 PELICAN

07 FRIGATA

08 KINGFISHER

09 HERNAN CORTEZ

10 GERONIMO

11 UNDAUNTED

12 ANTILLAS

13 CALAMAR

14 ALCYON

15 GULF RANGER

16 WESTERN GULF

17 TOMMY MUNRO

18 TANYA & JOE

19 ONJUKO

20 JEFF & TINA

21 DELAWARE II

22 OSV ANTELOPE
23 ALABAMA INSHORE VESSELS

24 FLORENCE MAY

25 LOUISIANA INSHORE VESSELS

26 SUNCOASTER

27 MISSISSIPPI INSHORE VESSE

28 CHAPMAN

29 NISSHING MARU #201

30 R/V BELLOWS

31 R.J.KEMP

32 MATAGORDA BAY

33 LAGUNA MADRE

34 GALVESTON BAY

35 LUMCON PELICAN

36 HERNAN CORTEZ II

37 OLD COLONY

38 SEAWOLF

39 ATLANTIC HARVESTER

40 SABINE

41 PERSISTANCE

42 CAPTAIN GRUMPY

43 GULF STREAM

44 KELCY ANN

45 MR.JUG

46 CALANUS

47 A.NEEDLER

48 B.I.P.

49 ALBATROSS IV

50 MOLLY M.

51 LADY LISA

52 MISS CARRIE

53 CSS HUDSON

54 CORAL SEA

55 CARETTA

56 R/V ABREU

57 R/V GUAYANILLA

58 SEAHORSE

59 LINDSAY

60 TEDDY'S SCOW

61 RELENTLESS

62 RATFIELD VESSELS

63 GORDON GUNTER

64 FERREL

65 TRINITY BAY

66 ALABAMA 38ft BERTRAM

67 NUECES BAY

68 MCARTHUR

69 SAN JACINTO

70 R/V SARINNA

71 HARVESTING SYSTEM TECH

99 OTHER VESSELS

P_STA_NO

5-character code designating the Pascagoula station number.
TIME_ZN

1-character time zone code. Valid values are:

1 Eastern Standard Time

2 Eastern Daylight Savings Time

3 Central Standard Time

4 Central Daylight Savings Time

8 Greenwich Mean Time

9 Other - Explain in Comments Section

5 Atlantic Standard Time

6 Atlantic Daylight Savings Time

MIL_TIME

Starting time (HHMM) in 24 hour military time.

S_LATD

Degree of latitude for the position occupied at the start time of 

a station.

S_LATM

Decimal minutes of latitude for the position occupied at the 

start time of a station.

S_LATH

Hemi-sphere of latitude for the position occupied at the start 

time of a station.

S_LOND

Degree of longitude for the position occupied at the start time 

of a station.

S_LONM

Decimal minutes of longitude for the position occupied at the 

start time of a station.

S_LONH

Hemi-sphere of longitude for the position occupied at the start 

time of a station.

ST_DEPTH

Station depth in fathoms for the position occupied at the start

time of a station.

MO_DAY_YR

Date station was taken in MM/DD/YY format.
S_STA_NO

5-character SEAMAP or alternate station number.

END_TIME

Ending time (HHMM) in 24 hour military time.

E_LATD

Degree of latitude for the position occupied at the end time of 

a station.

E_LATM

Decimal minutes of latitude for the position occupied at the 

end time of a station.

E_LATH

Hemi-sphere of latitude for the position occupied at the end 

time of a station.

E_LOND

Degree of longitude for the position occupied at the end time 

of a station.

E_LONM

Decimal minutes of longitude for the position occupied at the 

end time of a station.

E_LONH

Hemi-sphere of longitude for the position occupied at the end

time of a station.

EDEPTH

Station depth in fathoms for the position occupied at the end

time of a station.

GEARS

Up to seven 2-character gear codes. Valid values are:

 A ASSORTED

C BIOSONICS ACOUSTIC SYSTEM 

BG BATHYTHERMOGRAPH(CTD,STD) 

BC BOTTLE CAST

GR BOTTOM GRAB OR CORE SAMPLER

MC CAMERA,MOVIE

SC CAMERA,STILL

VC CAMERA,VIDEO

CS CONTINUOUS FLOW SYSTEM

CM CURRENT DOPPLER
DL DEEP LINE

DV DIVING

CD DREDGE,CLAM

QD DREDGE,QUAHOG

SD DREDGE,SCALLOP

TD DREDGE,TUMBLER

XB EXPENDABLE BATHYTHERMOGRAPH(XB

FP FISH PUMP

GN GILLNET 

BL LONGLINE,BOTTOM

KP LONGLINE,KALI POLE

OB LONGLINE,OFF-BOTTOM

LL LONGLINE,SURFACE

MQ MARQUESETTE

MN MICROPEKTON

ML MISCELLANEOUS

NS NETSONDE

LT NIGHT LIGHT

OD ODOMETER

OF OVERFLIGHT

OX OXYGEN,SENSOR,CTD

OY OXYGEN,SENSOR,YSI

OH OXYGEN,TITRATION,HACHKIT

OW OXYGEN,TITRATION,WINKLER

OR OYSTER RAKE

PN PLANKTON,GENERAL(BONGO,ETC.)

MO PLANKTON,MOCNESS

NN PLANKTON,SINGLE NEUSTON OR NEK

DN PLANKTON,DOUBLE NEUSTON OR NEK

RG PLANKTON,RING NET

TU PLANKTON,TUCKER TRAWL

RF RECORDING FATHOMETER

RV REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE(ROV)

RT ROTENONE

RN ROUND NET

SA SALINITY,AUTOSAL

SB SALINITY,BECKMAN RS5

SF SALINITY,CONTINUOUS FLOW SYSTE

SX SALINITY,CTD

RE SALINITY,REFRACTOMETER

BS SEINE,BEACH

LP SEINE,LAMPARA

PS SEINE,PURSE

TS SEINE,PURSE,TURTLE

SO SONAR

SJ SQUID JIG

DR SURFACE DRIFTER

RL TAG RELEASE

TA TEMPERATURE,CONTINUOUS FLOW SY

TC TEMPERATURE,CTD

TB TEMPERATURE,BECKMAN RS5

TM TEMPERATURE,BUCKET

TF TEMPERATURE,FLUKE

TY TEMPERATURE,YSI

CT TRAP,CRAB

TR TRAP,FISH

LR TRAP,LOBSTER,REED
LW TRAP,LOBSTER,WIRE

WT TRAP,LOBSTER,WOOD

TV TRAP VIDEO

BT TRAWL,BEAM

BB TRAWL,BIB

FT TRAWL,FISH

EF TRAWL,FISH,EXPERIMENTAL

FD TRAWL,FISH DEFLECTOR

FE TRAWL,FISH EXCLUDER

HO TRAWL,HIGH OPENING BOTTOM

MT TRAWL,MIDWATER

PT TRAWL,SCALLOP

SN TRAWL,SEPARATOR

SH TRAWL,SHUMAN

ST TRAWL,SHRIMP

ES TRAWL,SHRIMP,EXPERIMENTAL

SM TRAWL,STANDARD MONGOOSE

*T TRAWL,STAR

TN TRAWL,TRYNET

TE TRAWL,TURTLE EXCLUDER

TT TRAWL,TWIN

KT TRAWL,WING

TG TROLLING GEAR

VD VERTICAL DRIFTLINE

CC CAMERA,CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISI

01 COMBINATION--SS+CC

02 COMBINATION--SS+PR

03 COMBINATION--CC+PR

04 COMBINATION--SS+CC+PR

05 COMBINATION--FM+SS

06 COMBINATION--FM+SS+PR

07 COMBINATION--FM+PR

FM FATHOMETER

FL FLUORESCENCE,CONTINUOUS FLOW S

FX FLUORESCENCE,CTD

PR PROFILER,3.5 KHZ SUB-BOTTOM

SS SONAR,SIDE SCAN

IT TRAP,ICHTHYOPLANKTON,ILLUMINAT

SURF_TEMP

Surface temperature in degrees (C).

BOT_TEMP

Bottom temperature in degrees (C).

AIR_TEMP

Air temperature in degrees (C).

B_PRSSR

Barometric pressure in millibars.
WIND_SPD

Wind speed in knots.

WIND_DIR

Wind direction in compass degrees.

WAVE_HT

Wave height in meters.

SEA_COND

Sea surface condition according to Beaufort Scale.

DATA_CODE

2-character data collection code designating collection agency. 

Valid values are:

AL Alabama

FL Florida 

GA Georgia

LA Louisiana

MS Mississippi

NC North Carolina

SC South Carolina

TX Texas

US Federal Vessel

99 Other

PR Puerto Rico

VI Virgin Islands

VESSEL_SPD

Vessel speed in knots.

STAT_ZONE

Code for SEAMAP shrimp statistical zone. Valid values are 01 to 

22.

TOW_NO

Consecutive tow withing a SEAMAP (S_STA_NO). Valid values are 1 

to 9.

NET_NO

Code designating tow position of trawl. Valid values are

1 = Port

2 = Starboard

3 = Stern Trawl
COMMENT

Short comment regarding station operations and any issues with 

sampling.

ICHSTRWK Database File Structure

Field Name Type Wid Dec Range/Table Req Units

1 CRUISE_NO Char 3 *

2 VESSEL Char 2 VESSELS *

3 P_STA_NO Char 5 *

4 SAMPLE_NO Char 5 *

5 SIPC_CODE Char 1 SIPC

6 DATA_CODE Char 2 DATACODE *

7 CR_STDATE Date 8 mm/dd/yy

8 CRENDDATE Date 8 mm/dd/yy

9 AREA_PROJ Char 2 AREA_PRO

10 PI_CODE Char 2 PI_CODE

11 TIME_ZONE Char 1 TIMEZONE *

12 TIME Char 4 0000 - 2359 * hrs, min

13 GEAR_CODE Char 2 GEAR_ICH

14 MESH_CODE Char 2 MESH_ICH

15 START_TIME Char 6 000000 - 235959 hrs,min,sec

16 END_TIME Char 6 000000 - 235959 hrs,min,sec

17 START_FLOW Num 6 x >= 0 meter reading

18 END_FLOW Num 6 x >= 0 meter reading

19 MIN_DEPTH Num 4 x >= 0 meters

20 MAX_DEPTH Num 4 x >= 0 meters

21 VOL_FILT Num 3 cu. meters

22 ROTOR Num 5 x >= 0

 23 NO_EGGS Num 6 x >= 0

 24 EGGS_ALIQU Char 4 ALIQUOT

Explanation of ICHSTRWK Variables

CRUISE_NO

3-character cruise code.

VESSEL

2-character vessel code. See explanantion of STATCARD variables

for valid values.

P_STA_NO

5-character code designating the Pascagoula station number.

SAMPLE_NO

5-characer code designating the SEAMAP plankton sample number. 

This is a unique identifier for each sample.
SIPC_CODE

Sample initial preservative code. Valid values are:

0 Unknown

1 5% Formalin

2 10% Formalin

3 95% Ethanol

4 70% Ethanol

5 0T0FIX

DATA_CODE

Equivalent to DATA_CODE in the STATCARD database file.

CR_STDATE

Date the cruise began in MM/DD/YY format.

CRENDDATE

Date the cruise ended in MM/DD/YY format.

AREA_PROJ

Code for area and project. Valid Values are:

01 GOM/SEAMAP

02 NOT SEAMAP

03 CAN/RICHARDS

04 W.J.RICHARDS

05 SA/SEAMAP

PI_CODE

Principle Investigator Code. Valid Values are:

01 NMFS

02 GCRL

03 TOPW

04 FL.DNR

05 LDWF

06 STATE OF AL

07 UNIV. MIA.

08 CANADA

09 MEXICO

10 FL. INST. OCEAN

11 TEXAS

12 SOUTH CAROLINA

TIME_ZONE

Equivalent in structure and valid values to TIME_ZN in the

STATCARD structures. May be different values and times than the

STATCARD values.
TIME

Approximate time (HHMM) plankton sampling operations began.

GEAR_CODE

Plankton gear code. Valid values are:

01 60 cm Bongo 0.61

02 1m Ring 1.00

03 1X2m Neuston

04 1/2m Ring 0.50

05 20 cm Bongo 0.20

07 1m**2 Tucker Trawl

08 Double 1X2m Neuston

09 1m**2 Mocness

10 4m**2 Mocness

11 60 cm o/c Bongo 0.60

12 20 cm o/c Bongo 0.20

13 60 cm BNF1 0.61

14 70 cm Bongo 0.70

06 Other/Unknown

MESH_CODE

Plankton net mesh size code. Valid values are:

01 .303m

02 .999m

03 .333m

04 .253m

05 .505m

06 UNKNOWN

09 .946m

10 .363m

11 .153m

12 .202m

13 .760m

14 .064m

15 .100m

START_TIME

Time in hrs,min,sec (HHMMSS) that the plankton gear began fishing.

END_TIME

Time in hrs,min,sec (HHMMSS) that the plankton gear stopped 

fishing.

START_FLOW

Starting flow meter reading.

END_FLOW

Ending flow meter reading.
MIN_DEPTH

Minimum tow depth in meters.

MAX_DEPTH

Maximum tow depth in meters.

VOL_FILT

Volume of water in cubic meters filtered through the plankton net.

ROTOR

Constant valued from the flow meter manufacture used to convert

flow meter counts to distance.

NO_EGGS 

Number of fish eggs removed from the sample.

EGGS_ALIQU

Size of sample aliquot eggs were removed from. Valid Values are:

1/1

1/2

1/4

1/8

ICHSARWK Database File Structure

Field Name Type Wid Dec Range/Table Req Units

1 CRUISE_NO Char 3 *

2 VESSEL Char 2 VESSELS *

3 P_STA_NO Char 5 *

4 SAMPLE_NO Char 5 *

5 SAMP_STAT Char 1 SMPLSTAT

6 DATA_CODE Char 2 DATACODE *

7 CATALOG_NO Char 13

8 TAXONOMIC Char 13 BIOCODE *

9 BIOCODE Num 9 BIOCODE *

10 LIFE_STAGE Char 1 LIFESTA

11 MEAS Num 4 x >= 0 *

12 NOT_MEAS Num 4 x >= 0

13 SAMP_DATE Date 8 * mm/dd/yy

14 VOL_DISP Num 3 x >= 0 milliliters

15 ALIQUOT Char 3 1/1,1/2,1/4,1/8

16 STATUS Char 2 STATUS

17 COMMENT Char 75

 18 SASBIOCODE Char 12

 19 SASTAXON Char 50
 20 TIMES Char 2

 21 UP_YEAR Char 4

 22 UP_DATE Char 10

 23 UP_ACTION Char 1

 24 UP_ID Char 3

 25 UP_TYPE Char 15

 26 UP_PREDATE Char 1

Explanation of ICHSARWK Variables

CRUISE_NO

3-character cruise code.

VESSEL

2-character vessel code. See explanantion of STATCARD variables

for valid values.

P_STA_NO

5-character code designating the Pascagoula station number.

SAMPLE_NO

5-characer code designating the SEAMAP plankton sample number. 

This is a unique identifier for each sample.

SAMP_STAT 

Sample status sorting code. Valid values are:

0 Unknown

1 Sorted with fish caught

2 Sorted with no fish caught

3 Sample lost or broken

4 Sample sorted for only selected taxa

5 Sample sent to Gulf Coast Research Lab

6 Sample sent to Miami Laboratory

7 Sample sent to Panama City Laboratory

8 Sample used for student thesis

9 Sample number assigned no sample taken

A Bongo/Neuston paired status

* Non-Quantitative

DATA_CODE

Equivalent to DATA_CODE in the STATCARD database file.

CATALOG_NO

13-character field containing the SEAMAP archive serial number.

TAXONOMIC 
13-character field containg the abbreviated SEAMAP taxonomic 

code. At the species level the 1st 7 character refer to the genus

and the last 6 characters refer to the species. At taxonomic 

levels greater than species the whole field is used to identify a

taxon.

BIOCODE

9-digit numeric code for a taxon.

LIFE_STAGE

Life stage of a taxon. Currently not used for fish larvae. Valid

values are:

1 ZOEAE

2 MEGALOPAE 

3 POSTLARVAE

4 JUVENILE 

MEAS

Number of fish larvae measured for a specific CATALOG_NO.

NOT_MEAS

Number of fish larvae not measured for a specific CATALOG_NO.

 

SAMP_DATE

Date sample (SAMPLE_NO) was taken in MM/DD/YY format.

VOL_DISP

Wet displacement volume in milliliter/cubic centimeters of entire

plankton sample.

ALIQUOT

Size of sample aliquot from which fish larvae were sorted. Valid

values are:

1/1

1/2

1/4

1/8

STATUS

Taxonomic identification status code. Valid values are:

 00 Normal condition. No examination of or

changes in sample have been made.

01 Specimen(s) lost.

02 Specimen(s) destroyed.

03 Specimen(s) cleared and stained.

04 Specimen(s) dessicated, but not destroyed.
05 Specimen(s) sectioned.

06 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID

positive to genus level. 

07 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID

positive to species level.

08 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID

uncertain.

09 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; see DCOMM(yr).

10 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; disagreement

on correct ID among loan users; see

DCOMM(yr).

11 Orig ID confirmed.

12 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID

positive to family level.

13 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID

positive to order level.

14 Specimen(s) on permanent or long term loan.

COMMENT

Short comment documenting issues at the CATALOG_NO level.

SASBIOCODE, SASTAXON, TIMES, UP_YEAR, UP_DATE, UP_ACTION, UP_ID, 

UP_TYPE, UP_PREDATE

Variables added to the structure to allow for tracking updates to 

the SEAMAP ichthyoplankton databases by the data management team. 

They are not documented for the original SEAMAP system.

SECTION II

Within Table Relationships

STATCARD

The STATCARD database contains individual records for each 

station at which sampling occurred, including stations at which gear 

other than plankton gears were used. Each unique record in the 

database is defined by the combination of the VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + 

P_STA_NO variables. Only the combination of all three variables will 

define a unique station.

ICHSTRWK

The ICHSTRWK database contains individual records for each 

plankton sample number (SAMPLE_NO) taken at a station. The database 

therefore contains 1 record for each sample number. However, there may 

be multiple samples (SAMPLE_NO) for each combination of VESSEL + 

CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO. 

ICHSARWK

The ICHSARWK database contains at least one record for each 

sample number (SAMPLE_NO) in the ICHSTRWK. Within the ICHSARWK 

database the combination of the VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + 
SAMPEL_NO + CATALOG_NO define a unique record. Samples with a sample 

status (SAMP_STAT) equal to 0, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 contain a single 

record. These records are place holders that indicate the disposition 

of samples taken under the SEAMAP umbrella. Samples with a sample 

status equal to 1, 4 or * may have multiple records associated with a 

sample number. Only, records with a sample status of 1, 4, and * will 

have information pertaining to specific taxon. Records with a sample 

status of 1 or 2 are the only samples that should be used for 

quantitative analysis and summaries. A sample status of 1 indicates 

the sample was shorted for all fish larvae, and a status of 2 indicates 

a valid sample with no fish larvae. The taxonomic (TAXONOMIC) and/or 

biocode (BIOCODE) variables do not define a unique record, and multiple 

entries for a specific taxon may be valid for multiple catalog numbers 

under a single sample number.

Among Table Relationships

The STATCARD, ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK databases are relational, and 

information in them follows a hierarchical progression. In regards to 

ichthyoplankton data, the statcard with its location information is at 

the station level, the ICHSTRWK is at the level individual samples 

collected at a station, while the ICHSTRWK contains information on the 

individual fish larvae taken in the samples. In order to link to 

information contain in each of the separate databases the following 

relationships can be used.

Information between the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK can be linked 

(merged) by setting a relationship between the unique combination of 

the VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO variables.

Information between the ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK can be linked 

(merged) by setting a relationship between the unique combination of 

VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO variables.

Information may also be linked by setting relationships between 

any of the variables common among the 3 databases. Suggestions for how 

to link (merge) the databases for quantitative analysis can be found in 

the next section.

SECTION III

Suggestions for Quantitative Analysis

This section is written for user wishing to use the SEAMAP 

ichthyoplankton databases to develop quantitative analyses and 

summaries. The focus will be on utilizing the standard SEAMAP bongo 

and neuston collections to determine abundance estimates for eggs, 

displacement volume, total fish larvae and larvae of specific taxon. 

It assumes that users will wish to select data from specific geographic 

areas. 

Ichthyoplankton samples have been collected during fisheryindependent, resource surveys in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) since 1982 

under the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP). 

Surveys are conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 
cooperation with the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and 

Louisiana. The SEAMAP samples compose a majority of the data in the 

ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK databases.

Most but not all SEAMAP, standard plankton stations (bnumbers)

are located at 30 mile or 1⁄2 degree (~56 km) intervals in a fixed, 

systematic grid across the GOM (Figure 1), although, only every other 

N-S transect of stations is sampled during spring surveys and during 

fall plankton surveys in 1988-1991. Summer and Fall SEAMAP sampling is 

conducted at bnumbers over the continental shelf, and Spring sampling 

in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Occasionally during surveys, 

samples are taken at nonstandard locations or stations are moved to 

avoid navigational hazards. Samples are taken upon arrival on station 

regardless of time of day. At each station either a bongo and/or 

neuston tow are made depending on the specific survey.

Standard SEAMAP survey plankton sampling is conducted with 61 cm 

bongo nets and/or single or double 1x2 meter neuston net. The 61 cm 

bongo net is fitted with 0.333 (0.335) micron mesh nets. Bongo nets 

are fished in an oblique tow path from the surface to a maximum

depth of 200 m or to 2-5 m off the bottom at depths less than 200 m. A 

mechanical flowmeter is mounted off-center in the mouth of each bongo 

net to record the volume of water filtered. Volume filtered ranges from 

~20 to 600 m3 but is typically 30 to 40 m3 at the shallowest stations 

and 300 to 400 m3 at the deepest stations. Typically, abundance for 

eggs, displacement volume and fish larvae are expresses as the number 

or volume under 10 m2 of sea surface. Alternately, abundance may be 

expresses as the number or volume per volume of seawater filtered 

through the net. However, per volume of seawater estimates are 

integrated over the entire depth range. Neuston nets are fitted with 

0.947 (0.950) 1 mm mesh net. The neuston gear is towed at the

surface with its frame half-submerged for 10 minutes. Data are only 

available for fish larvae. Abundance estimates of fish larvae are 

expressed as the number per 10 minute tow. Non-standard gear and mesh 

sizes have been used to collect plankton samples and are coded as such 

in the database.

In order arrive at these abundance estimates it will be necessary 

to utilize data from all of the STATCARD, ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK 

databases. This is necessary since the databases are optimized for 

efficient storage not data analysis and summary. For instance, 

examining the basic database structures outlined above we can see 

position information is located in the STATCARD; information of the 

gear used and effort are located in the ICHSTRWK; and variables 

necessary to enumerate larvae of individual taxon and sample status are 

located in the ICHSARWK. Therefore, in order to determine abundance 

estimates of fish larvae for a specific gear and mesh combination 

within a given geographic area requires the building of a dataset that 

contains all the necessary variables from all three databases. The 

rest of this document will deal with the specifics of arriving at these 

estimates for the standard SEAMAP samples. Each section covers a 

different topic. 
Putting all the variables needed to do quantitative analysis into a 

singe dataset.

Since most personal computers have the storage and memory requirement 

to handle large amounts of data, start by merging the three separate 

databases into a single database/dataset that can be further 

manipulated. The following steps outline suggested concepts necessary 

to do this:

1. Add a new numeric variable to the STATCARD database called 

STAREC (statcard record) and set it equal to 1 for all 

records.

2. Add a new numeric variable to the ICHSTRWK database called 

ISTREC (ichstrwk record) and set it equal to 1 for all 

records.

3. Add a new numeric variable to the ICHSARWK file called ISAREC 

(ichsarwk record) and set it equal to 1 for all records.

4. Sort/index the STATCARD file on VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO

5. Sort/index the ICHSTRWK file on VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO

6. Sort/index the ICHSARWK file on VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO 

 + SAMPLE_NO.

7. Merge/combine the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK files by setting a 

relationship/link between the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK databases 

on VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO.

8. Sort/index the combined STATCARD/ICHSTRWK file on VESSEL + 

CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO.

9. Next, merge/combine the newly combined STATCARD/ICHSTRWK

 database/dataset with the ICHSARWK database by setting a

 relationship/link between the combined STATCARD/ICHSTRWK and

 the ICHSARWK database on VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO +

 SAMPLE_NO.

9. Keep only the records in the final database/dataset where

The variables STAREC = 1 and ISTREC = 1 and ISAREC = 1. The 

final database/dataset should have as many records as were 

found in the original ICHSARWK database. The final dataset 

should now contain the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK information for 

each record in the ICHSARWK database. 

Filtering data by geographic area.

The SEAMAP BNumbers (Figure 1) represent the systematic sampling 

grid design of the SEAMAP surveys. The bnumbers when recorded are 

found in the SEAMAP Station Number Field (S_STA_NO). Unfortunately, 

the bnumbers are not consistently recorded for all cruises, nor are 

they recorded in a consistent manner in the S_STA_NO variable. For 

example, bnumber B001 may appear in the database as B1, B01, B001, B-
001 etc.. Therefore, filtering data by geographic area is best done by 

longitude and latitude. Figure 1 can be used to find the approximate 

area a bnumber represents. It is easiest to work in decimals degree. 

Using the combined database created earlier or with the STATCARD 

database, decimal longitude and latitude can be calculated as follows 

(make sure to include parentheses in the formula):

Decimal Longitude:

( ( S_LOND + ( S_LONM / 60 ) ) * -1 )

Decimal Lattitude:

( S_LATD + ( S_LATM /60 ) )

Filtering Data by Gear and Sampling Status

The beginning of this section outlines the SEAMAP sampling design 

and the standard bongo and neuston net sampling gears. The primary 

difference between the two gears is that the bongo gear can give 

estimates of abundance for eggs, displacement volume, total fish larvae 

and individual taxonomic categories, while the neuston gear only 

provides data on fish larvae and individual taxonomic categories. 

However, egg and displacement volume may not be available for all bongo 

samples. Bongo net samples as noted above are towed in an oblique 

pattern from the surface to near bottom and then back to the surface. 

Therefore abundance estimates based on volume or surface area, for a 

sample are intergraded over the water column. Nueston net samples are 

only collected from the surface half meter of the water column and are 

effort bases on time.

Valid quantitative SEAMAP samples can be filter out of the 

combined STATCARD/ICHSTRWK/ICHSARWK data set by selecting only records 

where:

For Standard SEAMAP Bongo Net Tows:

(GEAR_CODE = “01” and MESH_CODE = “03”) and 

(SAMP_STAT = “1” or SAMP_STAT = “2”)

I.E, give me only samples where gear = 61 cm bongo with a mesh 

size of .333 with a sorting status of sorted with fish larvae 

found or sorted with no larvae.

For Standard SEAMAP Neuston Net Tows:

( ( (GEAR_CODE = “03” or GEAR_CODE = “08”) and MESH_CODE = ‘09’ ) 

and (SAMP_STAT = ‘1’ or SAMP_STAT = ‘2’)

I.E, give me only samples collected where gear = a single or 

double neuston net sample with a mesh size of .947 with a sorting 

status of sorted with fish larvae found or sorted with no larvae.
-98 -97 -96 -95 -94 -93 -92 -91 -90 -89 -88 -87 -86 -85 -84 -83 -82 -81 -80

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

 B001 B002

 B003

 B004 B005

 B006

 B008 B007

 B010 B009

 B012 B011

 B014 B013

 B015

 B017 B016

 B018

 B020 B019

 B021

 B023 B022

 B024

 B026 B025

 B028 B027

 B030 B029

 B031

 B032

 B033 B034 B035 B036 B037 B038 B039 B040 B041

 B042

 B043 B044

 B045 B046 B047 B048 B049 B050

 B051

 B052

 B053

 B054 B055

 B056 B057

 B058 B059

 B060 B061

 B062 B063

 B064 B065

 B066

 B067

 B068 B069

 B070 B071 B072

 B075 B074 B073

 B076 B077

 B079 B078

 B081 B080

 B083 B082

 B084

 B085

 B086

 B087

 B088

 B089

 B090

 B092 B091

 B093

 B094

 B095

 B096

 B097

 B098

 B099

 B100

 B101

 B102

 B104 B103

 B105

 B106

 B107

 B108

 B109

 B110

 B111

 B112

 B113

 B114

 B115

 B116

 B117

 B118

 B119

 B120

 B121

 B122

 B123

 B124

 B125

 B127 B126

 B128

 B129

 B130

 B131

 B132

 B133

 B134

 B135

 B136

 B137

 B138

 B139

 B140

 B141

 B142

 B143

 B144

 B145

 B146

 B147

 B148

 B149

 B150

 B151

 B152

 B153

 B154

 B155

 B156

 B157

 B158

 B159

 B160

 B161

 B162

 B163

 B164

 B165

 B166

 B168 B167

 B169

 B170

 B171

 B173 B172

 B174

 B175

 B176

 B178 B177

 B179

 B180

 B181

 B182

 B183

 B184

 B185

 B186

 B188 B187

 B189

 B190

 B191

 B193 B192

 B194

 B195

 B196

 B197

 B199 B198

 B200

 B201

 B202

 B203

 B204

 B206 B205

 B207

 B208

 B209

 B210

 B211

 B213 B212

 B214

 B215

 B217 B216

 B218

 B219

 B220

 B221

 B222

 B223

 B225 B224

 B226

 B227

 B228

 B229

 B230

 B231

 B232

 B233

 B235 B234

 B236 B237

 B238 B239 B240 B241

 B242

 B243 B244 B245 B246 B247 B248 B249

 B250

 B251 B252 B253

 B254

 B255

 B256 B257

 B258

 B259

 B260

 B261 B262

 B263

 B265 B264

 B266

 B267

 B268

 B269

 B270

 B271

 B272

 B273

 B274

 B275

 B276

 B278 B277

 B279

 B280

 B281

 B282

 B283 B284

 B285

 B286

 B287

 B289 B288

 B290

 B291

 B293 B292

 B294

 B295

 B297 B296

 B298

 B299

 B301 B300

 B302

 B303

 B305 B304

 B306

 B307

 B309 B308

 B310

 B311

 B312

 B313

 B315 B314

 B316

 B317

 B319 B318

 B320

 B321

 B323 B322

 B324

 B325

 B326

 B327

 B328

 B329

 A165

 A160

Figure 1. Gulfwide distribution of SEAMAP BNumbers.
A merged dataset is necessary since the GEAR_CODE and MESH_CODE 

variables are taken from the ICHSTRWK database and the SAMP_STAT 

variable from the ICHSARWK database.

The majority of the database has only a data for only a single 

bongo or neuston sample taken at each station. In some cases both 

samples from a paired gear (bongo or double neuston) may have data from 

both samples taken at a station. These samples can be considered as 

replicates. In addition, some stations may have multiple bongo or 

nueston tows at the same station. Currently, the database does not 

code for paired samples or multiple samples taken at a station.

Estimating Abundance of Fish Larvae from Bongo Net Samples.

As noted above, abundance estimates of fish larvae can be volume 

or surface area based. Additionally, estimates of fish larvae can be 

based on all fish larvae in a sample (total fish larvae), or based on 

individual taxonomic categories. This section will outline the 

necessary calculation and concepts necessary to properly enumerate 

total fish larvae and fish larvae by taxonomic category. 

At this point, we will assume that our combined dataset created 

at the beginning of this section has been pre-filtered by geographic 

area and contains only records for valid (SAMP_STAT = 1 or 2) bongo 

(GEAR_CODE = ‘01’ and MESH_CODE = ‘03’) samples. The dataset should 

contain a single record for each unique combination of VESSEL + 

CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO. Unique combinations of 

VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO for samples with 

a SAMP_STAT = 2 in the dataset will have a empty CATALOG_NO variable, 

and will have only a single record in the dataset. As the only record, 

the blank CATALOG_NO field is unique for that SAMPLE_NO. Unique 

combinations of VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO 

with a SAMP_STAT = 1 will have a unique CATALOG_NO for each record, and 

will have one record for each unique CATALOG_NO for a unique SAMPLE_NO. 

Therefore, there are 1 or more records for SAMPLE_NOs with a SAMP_STAT 

= 1. However, there may be several unique CATALOG_NOs in a sample with 

the same TAXONOMIC category. Figure 2 shows a hypothetical minimum 

dataset for 3 unique SAMPLE_NOs for 2 samples with a SAMP_STAT = 2 and 

single SAMPLE_NO with a SAMP_STAT = 1.

The minimum variable set necessary to calculate the number of 

larvae under 10 m2 for each unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + 

P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO is MEAS, NOT_MEAS, ALIQUOT, VOL_FILT 

and MAX_DEPTH. The minimum variable set necessary to calculate the 

number of larvae per m3 is MEAS, NOT_MEAS, ALIQUOT, VOL_FILT. However, 

several changes to the dataset are needed prior to calculating these 

values due to the way the data is stored in the original databases:

1. In some instances the numeric MEAS and NOT_MEAS fields are 

blank (null) or may contain -9 (also considered a null value). In these 

cases, the blanks and -9 must be set to a value of 0 (zero). For 

example, if MEAS = -9 then MEAS = 0 or if MEAS = NULL (database 

dependent) then MEAS = 0, and likewise for NOT_MEAS.

2. ALIQUOT in the database is a character variable with valid 

values of ALIQUOT = “1/1”, “1/2”, “1/4” or “1/8”. SAMPLE_NOs with a 

SAMP_STAT = ‘1’ will have one of the valid values. SAMPLE_NOs with a 
SAMP_STAT = ‘2’ may have a valid value or be left blank. In order to 

properly calculate the larvae/10 m

2 or larvae/10 m3 values, a numeric 

variable to be used as an ALIQUOT multiplier will be necessary. The 

multiplier is the reciprocal of the fraction represented in the ALIQUOT 

variable, i.e. “1/2” = 2. This step is necessary in order to account 

for sub-sampling by aliquoting. For SAMPLE_NOs with a SAMP_STAT = ‘2’ 

the aliquot multiplier is 1. The new variable can be created with the 

following logic:

If ALIQUOT = “1/1” then MULTIPLIER = 1

If ALIQUOT = “1/2” then MULTIPLIER = 2

If ALIQUOT = “1/4” then MULTIPLIER = 4

If ALIQUOT = “1/8” then MULTIPLIER = 8

If SAMP_STAT = ‘2’ then MULTIPLIER = 1

Figure 3 shows the modifications to the pertinent variables for the 

sample numbers in our hypothetical dataset from Figure 2.

Once these modifications have taken place it is possible to 

calculate larvae/10 m

2 or larvae/10 m3 for each unique combination of 

VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO (Figure 4). The 

formula for larvae/10 m

2 is:

((MEAS + NOT_MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) * ((MAX_DEPTH/VOL_FILT) * 10)

where:

((MEAS + NOT_MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) = Extrapolated total number of

 fish larvae for unique 

 combination of VESSEL + 

 CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + 

 SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO

((MAX_DEPTH/VOL_FILT) * 10) = The standard haul factor for a

 unique combination of VESSEL +

 CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO +

SAMPLE_NO

 Note: The 10 in the standard haul factor can be changed to any

 multiplier. For example, 100 which will result in

 larvae/100 m2.

The formula for larvae/ m3 is:

((MEAS + NOT_MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) / (VOL_FILT)

where:

((MEAS + NOT_MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) = Extrapolated total number of 

 fish larvae for a unique 

 combination of VESSEL + 

 CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + 

 SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO
Figure 2. Hypothetical minimum dataset showing data for three unique sample numbers from a cruise.

VESSEL CRUISE_NO P_STA_NO SAMPLE_NO SAMP_STAT VOL_FILT MAX_DEPTH CATALOG_NO TAXONOMIC MEAS NOT_MEAS ALIQUOT

4 145 41077 3115 2 100 100

4 145 41078 3116 2 200 200 -9 -9 1/1

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20218-000 BOTHIDAE 2 -9 1/2

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20603-001 DECAPTEPUNCTA 2 -9 1/2

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML21163-000 GOBIIDAE 2 13 1/2

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML21892-001 SCOMBERCAVALL 1 -9 1/2

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20329-000 SYACIUM 2 7 1/2

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20867-000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 10 0 1/2

4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML22236-000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 5 0 1/2

 

Figure 3. Modifications to the pertinent variables for the sample numbers in our hypothetical dataset from 

Figure 2. VESSEL CRUISE and P_STA_NO not shown.

SAMPLE_NO SAMP_STAT VOL_FILT MAX_DEPTH CATALOG_NO TAXONOMIC MEAS NOT_MEAS ALIQUOT MULTIPLIER

3115 2 100 100 0 0 1

3116 2 200 200 0 0 1/1 1

3117 1 100 50 SML20218-000 BOTHIDAE 2 0 1/2 2

3117 1 100 50 SML20603-001 DECAPTEPUNCTA 2 0 1/2 2

3117 1 100 50 SML21163-000 GOBIIDAE 2 13 1/2 2

3117 1 100 50 SML21892-001 SCOMBERCAVALL 1 0 1/2 2

3117 1 100 50 SML20329-000 SYACIUM 2 7 1/2 2

3117 1 100 50 SML20867-000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 10 0 1/2 2

3117 1 100 50 SML22236-000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 5 0 1/2 2
Figure 4. Calculated larvae/10 m2 and larvae / m3 for each unique VESSEL + CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO + 

SAMPLE_NO + CATALOG_NO for our hypothetical dataset from Figure 3.

SAMPLE_NO SAMP_STAT VOL_FILT MAX_DEPTH CATALOG_NO TAXONOMIC MEAS NOT_MEAS ALIQUOT MULTIPLIER TOTAL FISH SHF LARVAE LARVAE

LARVAE 10 SQR METER CUBIC METER

3115 2 100 100 0 0 1 0 10 0 0

3116 2 200 200 0 0 1/1 1 0 10 0 0

3117 1 100 50 SML20218-000 BOTHIDAE 2 0 1/2 2 4 5 20 0.04

3117 1 100 50 SML20603-001 DECAPTEPUNCTA 2 0 1/2 2 4 5 20 0.04

3117 1 100 50 SML21163-000 GOBIIDAE 2 13 1/2 2 30 5 150 0.3

3117 1 100 50 SML21892-001 SCOMBERCAVALL 1 0 1/2 2 2 5 10 0.02

3117 1 100 50 SML20329-000 SYACIUM 2 7 1/2 2 18 5 90 0.18

3117 1 100 50 SML20867-000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 10 0 1/2 2 20 5 100 0.2

3117 1 100 50 SML22236-000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 5 0 1/2 2 10 5 50 0.1
VOL_FILT = Volume of water filtered for a 

 unique combination of VESSEL +

CRUISE_NO + P_STA_NO +

SAMPLE_NO in cubic meters

Sorry this is an ongoing process and I have been redirected 

to another project. Please contact me as below for further 

details.

David S. Hanisko

Research Fisheries Biologist

National Marine Fisheries Service

Pascagoula Laboratory

3209 Frederic St.

Pascagoula MS, 39568

Voice: 228-762-4591 x204

Fax: 228-769-9200

David.S.Hanisko@noaa.gov

or

David.S.Hanisko.atsea@noaa.gov