MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Fishes, ongoing since 2005

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.