Hyperspectroradiometer data from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Rapid Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program of 2001 in support of the Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative (NCEI Accession 0001446)

The hyperspectral surveys were conducted using a hyperspectral radiometer encased in a custom-made underwater housing. The NOWRAMP expedition represents the first time an un-tethered underwater spectroradiometer was used in coral reef ecosystems. From the readings, one derives substrate reflectance, which can be directly compared to remotely sensed images. Readings were collected from the most common substrates including corals, algae, sand, rubble and pavement. Several hundred spectral readings were collected during the 2001 NWHI field campaigns.