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[This data has been superseded by a synthesised global dataset which includes additional ecological data contributed by non-RLS entities (National Reef Monitoring Network).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 - Survey metadata) for the most current version of this data. See "Downloads and Links" section below.]This dataset shows the location of Reef Life Survey (RLS) sites surveyed by divers along 50m transects on shallow rocky and coral reefs, worldwide. Although surveys are undertaken as part of monitoring programs at particular locations (mostly in Australia), this dataset contains only spatial information, with repeat surveys of sites not included.
Biological data (abundance of invertebrates and fish, habitat quadrats) collected from these surveys is available as separate datasets through the AODN Data Portal (https://portal.aodn.org.au/ - search for 'NRMN')
Lineage
Maintenance and Update Frequency: irregularLine 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
Caring for our Country, Community CoastCare Grant
NRM and local management boards around Australia
State Marine Biodiversity Management Agencies around Australia
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
Marine Biodiversity Hub, a collaborative partnership supported through the Australian Government’s National Environmental Research Program (NERP)
Australian Research Council (ARC)
Fullbright Visiting Scholarship
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship
National Geographic Society
Conservation International
Wildlife Conservation Society
Winifred Violet Scott Trust
The Ian Potter Foundation
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
ASSEMBLE Marine
Trained volunteer diver network
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=-180.00; southlimit=-80.00; eastlimit=180.00; northlimit=80.00
text: uplimit=50; downlimit=0
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(SUPERSEDED BY: IMOS - National Reef Monitoring Network - Survey metadata)
(SUPPLEMENTARY INFO - Reef Life Survey Methods Manual [direct download])
uri :
https://reeflifesurvey.com/files/2008/09/NEW-Methods-Manual_15042013.pdf
(Reef Life Survey website)
- global : 4972fa20-195b-41e4-bee8-8175d6ac792b