Pilbara Marine Conservation Partnership (PMCP). Multi-satellite monthly chlorophyll records for the Pilbara region (1997-2013)

Existing satellite data were analysed in order to characterise seasonal and inter-annual variation in remotely-sensed chlorophyll-a. To maximize spatial and temporal coverage we used merged data from SeaWIFS, MERIS, and MODIS produced by the ESA using the GSM algorithm (Maritorena and Siegel, 2005; Globcolour Project). We merged normalized water-leaving radiances (not individual chl-a algorithm outputs) within 4.6 km grid over a period of more than 16 years. Monthly averages of chlorophyl-a concentration (mg m-3) are presented. Attempts were made to correlate the data with Solander Underway data. These data were not validated. Encrypted ncdf4 files can be found at the Perth Pawsey Computer centre.

The Pilbara Marine Conservation Partnership (PMCP) was an initiative designed to enhance the net conservation benefits of the globally-significant coral reef ecosystems of the Pilbara (Western Australia) by providing an assessment of the condition and trajectory of key ecological values. These assessments were designed to inform and complement existing governance and management arrangements and the PMCP is intended to provide ongoing advice and assessment for conservation efforts in the region, providing lasting benefits.

The PMCP concept is based on three core ecological components, namely:
Coral Reef Health - concentrating mainly on habitat forming primary producers.
Fish and Sharks - their community structure, interactions and impacts on lower trophic levels.
Environmental Pressures - physical and anthropogenic factors that influence the condition of reefs and associated biota.