Dataset: Pocillopora coral spawning times and species identifications in Moorea French Polynesia 2022 - 2024

All observations were made while snorkeling in ~3 meters (m), with a minimum of two observers in the water. Observers were positioned to simultaneously visualize multiple morphologies with the goal of observing five common lagoon species (P. effusa, P. grandis, P. meandrina, P. verrucosa, and P. tuahiniensis). Coral spawning observations were documented as follows: (1) photographs of each colony were taken during or following spawning (Canon G7X MarkII); (2) colonies were tagged and geolocated via GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 64); (3) biopsies were collected from each tagged colony in sterile Whirlpaks; and (4) where possible, gametes were collected from the water next to the colonies when the spawning phenomenon begins, by creating a siphon system using plastic bottles. After collecting eggs and sperm from different colonies (one bottle per colonie), the bottles used for collection were poured into larger reservoirs (~5 liter bottles) to facilitate genetic mixing, as well as fertilization as soon as possible directly on a boat.