2001

Jeffrey, C.F.G., C. Pattengill-Semmens, S. Gittings, and M.E. Monaco

This study analyzed species richness, distribution, and sighting frequency of selected reef fishes to describe species assemblage composition, abundance, and spatial distribution patterns within and among regions in the Florida Keys NMS. This report is the result of work being done on the biogeography of reef fishes by NOAA's Biogeography Office.

Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series MSD-01-1. US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD.
51 pp.
2001
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project
Pattengill-Semmens, C.V. & B.X. Semmens

This paper describes the Fish Survey Project, and provides an overview of its applications in science and management and its value in enhancing the experience of divers and snorkelers.

Underwater Naturalist
25(4): 37-40
2001
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project

2000

Coupling of benthic habitats and fish distributions via GIS technology

Jeffrey, C.F.G, C. Pattengill-Semmens, K. Buja, J.D. Christensen, M. Coyne, M. E. Monaco, and S. Gitting

This study analyzed spatial trends and correlations between habitat diversity and fish community, using REEF data from the Florida Keys that were overlaid onto benthic habitat maps using GIS. Click here to read the abstract. (FIXME)

Proc. International Coral Reef Symposium, October 2000
2000
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project
Pattengill-Semmens, C.V., S.R. Gittings, and T. Shyka

The results of an AGRRA expedition to the Flower Garden Banks are summarized in this technical report. A total of 117 fish species were recorded during the expedition, and REEF surveys documented a new record for the banks, a sharptail eel.

NOAA Conservation Series Technical Report
2000
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project
B.X. Semmens, J.L. Ruesink, and C.V. Pattengill-Semmens

This is the first large scale trend analysis done using REEF data. The paper looked at 21 sites throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Analysis methods were modified from those applied to the Breeding Bird Survey in order to detect sites with multi-species declines. A sub-set of sites were identified and potential management options were discussed. Click here to read the abstract.

Proc. 9th International Coral Reef Symposium, October 2000
1071-1078
2000
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project

1999

Schmitt, E. F., K. M. Sullivan-Sealy, and D.W. Feeley

Data collected by expert observers were used to evaluate the effect of Sanctuary Preservation Areas in the Florida Keys NMS on fishery-targeted species. Frequency of occurrence of species such as snappers, groupers, and hogfish were greater in sites that had protection from harvesting.

International Conference on Scientific Aspects of Coral Reef Assessment, Monitoring, and Restoration. April 14-16, 1999. National Coral Reef Institute. Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
1999
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project
Pattengill-Semmens, C. V. and B. X. Semmens

A poster presentation on the REEF/TNC Fish Survey Project with examples of three applications of data generated by the Project. These include evaluating the effect of marine protected areas, mapping species distribution, and applications in general assessment.

International Conference on Scientific Aspects of Coral Reef Assessment, Monitoring, and Restoration. April 14-16, 1999. National Coral Reef Institute. Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
1999
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project
Castle, P.H.J. and J.E. Randall

In 1997, REEF surveyors discovered a colony of garden eels during survey dives in the Gulf of Mexico that didn't' look quite right to be the usual brown garden eel. After sending images and ultimately a specimen to Dr. John Randall, the mystery species was identified as a new species of conger eel, the yellow garden eel (Heteroconger luteolus). The description of the new species was published in 1999.

Indo-Pacific Fishes
(30):52 p.
1999
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project

1998

Pattengill-Semmens, C. V. and B. X. Semmens

The quality of fish census data generated by REEF volunteers of various experience levels is examined and compared with data generated by experts. The similarity in species reported, the similarity in abundance category recorded, and the statistical power to detect change are used in the comparison. Species composition and structure is comparable between the skill levels. When sighted, most species are reported with similar abundance categories. The ability to detect change in many species is better for the nonexpert data, a result of higher survey effort for the nonexperts. Species that are cryptic or rare have low power (change had to be large before it could be detected) regardless of the skill level, but are generally better using expert data.

Journal of the Gulf of Mexico Science
2: 196-207
1998
Program: 
Volunteer Fish Survey Project

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