Brief description
[This data has been superseded by a synthesised global dataset which includes additional ecological data contributed by non-RLS entities (National Reef Monitoring Network). Please visit the corresponding NRMN Collection (IMOS - National Reef Monitoring Network Sub-Facility - Global off-transect species observations || Global reef fish abundance and biomass) for the most current version of this data. See "Downloads and Links" section below.]This dataset contains records of bony fishes and elasmobranchs collected by Reef Life Survey (RLS) divers along 50m transects on shallow rocky and coral reefs, worldwide. Abundance information is available for all records found within quantitative survey limits (50 x 5 m swathes during a single swim either side of the transect line, each distinguished as a Block), and out-of-survey records are identified as presence-only (Method 0). Although surveys are undertaken as part of monitoring programs at particular locations (mostly in Australia), this dataset contains does not include repeat surveys of sites.
Lineage
Maintenance and Update Frequency: irregular
Statement: Data in the RLS global reef fish dataset have been collected by a combination of experienced scientists and skilled recreational divers, with all divers having either substantial prior experience in reef fish surveys or extensive training in the RLS methods. Quality control procedures are described in detail in Edgar & Stuart-Smith 2014 and results of an analysis of data quality differences between volunteer divers and professional scientists are presented in Edgar & Stuart-Smith 2009.
Line transects 50 m in length are laid along a depth contour. Fishes are surveyed in two 5 m wide by 5 m high bands or ("blocks"), parallel with the 50 m transect line. During the fish survey, the number and estimated size-category of all fishes sighted within 5 m blocks either side of the transect line, and within a 5 m high ceiling (and 5 m deep floor if applicable, see section on methods for surveying walls in appendix 2, in manual) is recorded as the divers swim slowly along the block.
Size-classes of total fish length (from snout to tip of tail, or longest distance, including for stingrays) used are 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 50.0, 62.5 cm, and above. Lengths of fish larger than 62.5 cm should be estimated to the nearest 12.5 cm and individually recorded.
GPS location, date, time, depth and visibility are also recorded.
See link to the Methods Manual: A Standardized Survey Procedures for Monitoring Reef Ecosystems, for more information.
Line transects 50 m in length are laid along a depth contour. Fishes are surveyed in two 5 m wide by 5 m high bands or ("blocks"), parallel with the 50 m transect line. During the fish survey, the number and estimated size-category of all fishes sighted within 5 m blocks either side of the transect line, and within a 5 m high ceiling (and 5 m deep floor if applicable, see section on methods for surveying walls in appendix 2, in manual) is recorded as the divers swim slowly along the block.
Size-classes of total fish length (from snout to tip of tail, or longest distance, including for stingrays) used are 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 30.0, 35.0, 40.0, 50.0, 62.5 cm, and above. Lengths of fish larger than 62.5 cm should be estimated to the nearest 12.5 cm and individually recorded.
GPS location, date, time, depth and visibility are also recorded.
See link to the Methods Manual: A Standardized Survey Procedures for Monitoring Reef Ecosystems, for more information.
Notes
CreditInstitute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania
Credit
Caring for our Country, Community CoastCare Grant
Caring for our Country, Community CoastCare Grant
Credit
NRM and local management boards around Australia
NRM and local management boards around Australia
Credit
State Marine Biodiversity Management Agencies around Australia
State Marine Biodiversity Management Agencies around Australia
Credit
Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) Program, an Australian Government initiative supporting world class, public good research - Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) Program, an Australian Government initiative supporting world class, public good research - Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Credit
Marine Biodiversity Hub, a collaborative partnership supported through the Australian Government’s National Environmental Research Program (NERP)
Marine Biodiversity Hub, a collaborative partnership supported through the Australian Government’s National Environmental Research Program (NERP)
Credit
Australian Research Council (ARC)
Australian Research Council (ARC)
Credit
Fullbright Visiting Scholarship
Fullbright Visiting Scholarship
Credit
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship
Credit
National Geographic Society
National Geographic Society
Credit
Conservation International
Conservation International
Credit
Wildlife Conservation Society
Wildlife Conservation Society
Credit
Winifred Violet Scott Trust
Winifred Violet Scott Trust
Credit
The Ian Potter Foundation
The Ian Potter Foundation
Credit
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
Credit
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Credit
ASSEMBLE Marine
ASSEMBLE Marine
Credit
Trained volunteer diver network
Trained volunteer diver network
Purpose
The dataset generated by recreational divers provides a national framework for monitoring the state of the inshore environment and the identification of those threats and locations of greatest conservation concern. The project also increases awareness and interest by the recreational diving community in marine issues, and enhanced scientific capacity of personnel in regional areas.
The dataset generated by recreational divers provides a national framework for monitoring the state of the inshore environment and the identification of those threats and locations of greatest conservation concern. The project also increases awareness and interest by the recreational diving community in marine issues, and enhanced scientific capacity of personnel in regional areas.
Created: 15 10 2014
Data time period: 02 01 2006
text: westlimit=-180; southlimit=-80.00; eastlimit=-180; northlimit=80.00
text: uplimit=50; downlimit=0
Subjects
ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES |
Abundance of biota |
BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION |
Biological Sciences |
Biotic taxonomic identification |
Community Ecology |
EARTH SCIENCE |
Ecology |
FISH |
Marine and Estuarine Ecology (Incl. Marine Ichthyology) |
Temperate Reef |
Tropical Reef |
biota |
diver |
oceans |
User Contributed Tags
Login to tag this record with meaningful keywords to make it easier to discover
Other Information
(SUPERSEDED BY (appears in 2 collections): IMOS - National Reef Monitoring Network - Global reef fish abundance and biomass)
(SUPERSEDED BY (appears in 2 collections): IMOS - National Reef Monitoring Network - Global off-transect species observations)
(Reef Life Survey website)
uri :
https://www.reeflifesurvey.com/
(Reef Life Survey Methods Manual [direct download])
uri :
https://reeflifesurvey.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/NEW-Methods-Manual_150815.pdf
global : 4b5ae6b0-36b2-11dd-9409-00188b4c0af8
Identifiers
- global : 9c766140-9e72-4bfb-8f04-d51038355c59
