DOI: 10.6073/pasta/75644add7e7f90c568bf5045264d359a
title: MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Fishes, ongoing since 2005

description: These data describe the species abundance and estimated size distributions (total body length to the 
 greatest precision possible) of fishes surveyed as part of MCR LTER's annual reef fish monitoring program. 
 This study began in 2005 and the dataset is updated annually. Data from the initial survey conducted in 2005 
 are presented in a separate data table as the methods used differed from the standard protocol adopted 2006 
 and no estimates of fish body lengths were made.
 
 From 2006 to 2021, the estimated abundances and body lengths of all mobile taxa of fishes (Scarids, Labrids, 
 Acanthurids, Serranids, etc.) observed on a 5 m by 50 m transect extending from the bottom to the surface of the 
 water column were recorded by a single diver using SCUBA. After completing the initial survey, the diver then 
 swam back along a 1 m by 50 m band down the center of the original transect line and recorded the estimated 
 abundances and body lengths of all non-mobile or cryptic taxa of fishes (Pomacentids, Gobiids, Cirrhitids, 
 Holocentrids, etc). Beginning in 2022 to provide an increased degree of diver safety, the abundances and body 
 lengths of fishes on each transect are estimated by a pair of divers using SCUBA. The lead diver estimates the 
 abundances and body lengths of all mobile taxa of fishes (Scarids, Labrids, Acanthurids, Serranids, etc.) 
 observed on a 5 m by 50 m transect extending from the bottom to the surface of the water column, while the 
 second diver trailing approximately 5 m behind the lead diver estimates the abundances and body lengths of all 
 non-mobile or cryptic taxa of fishes (Pomacentids, Gobiids, Cirrhitids, Holocentrids, etc) on a 1 m by 50 m band 
 down the center of the transect.
 
 Surveys are conducted between 0900 and 1600 hours (local time) during late July or early August of each year. 
 Four replicate transects are surveyed in each of six locations on the forereef (two on each of Moorea's three 
 sides), six locations on the backreef (two on each of Moorea's three sides), and on six locations on the fringing 
 reef (two on each of Moorea's three sides) for a total of 72 individual transects. Transects are permanently 
 marked using a series of small, stainless-steel eyebolts affixed to the reef. Transects on the fore reef are 
 located at a depth of approximately 12m, those in the back reef portion of the lagoons are located at a depth of 
 approximately 1.5m and those on the fringing reef are located at a depth of approximately 10m. In addition to the 
 biotic data collected, divers also record data on the date and time that each transect was surveyed, wind speed 
 and sea state, swell height in m, amount of cloud cover in %, and horizontal visibility in m. This monitoring 
 program is consistent with the protocols adopted by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the Australian 
 Institute of Marine Science for use with the Great Barrier Reef Long-term Monitoring Program.
 

 This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant No. OCE 22-24354 
 (and earlier awards) as well as a generous gift from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Research was completed 
 under permits issued by the French Polynesian Government (Délégation à la Recherche) and the Haut-commissariat de la 
 République en Polynésie Francaise (DTRT) (Protocole d'Accueil 2005-2023). This work represents a contribution of 
 the Moorea Coral Reef (MCR) LTER Site.