Benthic cover data

The dataset includes main benthic components (coral, coralline algae and fleshy/turf algae), through photo-quadrants using a camera mounted on a framer that held it perpendicular to the reef. We measured the cover percentage in 11 reefs at shallow zone, three different belt transects were placed parallel to the coast at three depth ranges: 0-8 m, 9-15 m and 16-22 m. 10 quadrants of 1x1 m were zigzagged, along each transect. We sampled a total of 30 m² per depth and 90 m² per site. In deepest and mesophotic zones at four diapiric domes, one transect was located at each depth range; 16-22 m, 24-30 m, 34-40 m, 44-50 m, 54-60 m and 64-70 m, depending of the depth extension of each dome. Variable number of quadrants of 0.5x0.5 m were zigzagged, due to the time restrictions. The total sampled area was ​​ 870 m² at the shallowest zone and a total area of 62.75 m²at the deepest zones. <br>