Environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae on the Great Barrier Reef

Brief description

Between May 1996 and September 1999 the percentage cover of crustose coralline algae and environmental conditions were visually estimated on 144 reefs.On each reef, 2 sites (windward and leeward) were surveyed at up to 5 pre-defined depths (18-13, 13-8, 8-3, 3-1, reef flat), typically covering 200-300 m for each depth range.Percent total cover (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100%) of hard corals, octocorals, crustose coralline algae, turf algae, Sargassum and other macroalgae and unconsolidated substratum (sand/sediment/mud, and rubble).Visibility (Secchi distance in metres); sediment deposit thickness (0=none, 1=thin layer, 2=moderate layer, 3=thick deep layer); and slope angle (in 5° increments) were recorded.Relative distance across (from the coast), and along (to the northen end of the Great Barrier Reef), the shelf were calculated based on longitude and latitude.
To describe the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae over 144 reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.To investigate relationships between crustose coralline algae cover and water clarity, sedimentation, slope angle, and relative distance along and across the Great Barrier Reef.

Full description

Water clarity and water quality, catchment to reef dataset - Water clarity and water quality, catchment to reef dataset
Environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae on the Great Barrier Reef: Fabricius KE and De'ath AG (2001) Environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae on the Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs 19: 303-309. - Environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae on the Great Barrier Reef: Fabricius KE and De'ath AG (2001) Environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae on the Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs 19: 303-309.
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