Dataset: Coral structural complexity metrics for Pocillopora spp. colonies from a field manipulation experiment using structure-from-motion photogrammetry in Mo'orea, French Polynesia from 2019 to 2021

See the "Related Datasets" section for more data from this experiment and data from other experiments and surveys in this study. 

In particular, see closely related bco-dmo dataset https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/999432 which has CAFI community data and genetic metadata from this same Maatea Size Experiment.

Study Description (describes this and related datasets):

Two field experiments and one observational survey were performed investigating how cryptic invertebrate communities (CAFI - Coral Associated Fauna and Invertebrates) interact with and influence coral reef ecosystems in Mo'orea, French Polynesia (2019-2021). The research addresses how spatial configuration of coral habitat affects CAFI community assembly and the reciprocal effects of CAFI on coral health and growth.

The Maatea Size Experiment (the focus of this dataset) examined how coral colony size affects CAFI community composition and coral physiology using 60 Pocillopora colonies spanning a natural size gradient. The MRB Amount Experiment tested how coral habitat density affects CAFI colonization and community assembly using 54 Pocillopora colonies deployed in low, medium, and high density treatments on an experimental grid. The Mo'orea Survey characterized natural CAFI communities and their relationship to coral characteristics across 114 Pocillopora colonies at multiple reef sites around the island.

Data include: CAFI taxonomic identification and abundance measurements (17,073 individual organism records representing multiple phyla including Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Annelida), coral three-dimensional photogrammetry measurements (surface area, volume, height), coral physiology measurements (protein content, carbohydrate content, zooxanthellae density), fish community surveys, genetic sample metadata, and experimental treatment information. All measurements span multiple time points including pre-experiment baseline (December 2019) and post-experiment final sampling (May 2021).

Data were collected by SCUBA at backreef sites 2-10 meters depth. CAFI were extracted from coral colonies using anesthetic seawater, identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, measured for body size, and counted. Coral morphometrics were quantified using underwater photogrammetry and Agisoft Metashape software. Coral tissue samples were analyzed for protein and carbohydrate content using standard biochemical assays, and zooxanthellae density was quantified using hemocytometer counts.

Study Experimental Design:
Two experiments and an observational survey were conducted: (1) Maatea Size Experiment examining effects of coral colony size on CAFI communities using 60 Pocillopora colonies spanning a natural size gradient, (2) MRB Amount Experiment testing effects of coral habitat density on CAFI colonization using 54 Pocillopora colonies in low, medium, and high density treatments arranged on a 9x6 experimental grid, and (3) Mo'orea Survey characterizing natural CAFI communities across 114 Pocillopora colonies at multiple reef sites.

​Project location description:

Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia. Data were collected at three primary study sites on backreef habitats at 2-10 meter depth: (1) Maatea site on the south shore east of Atiha Pass (17.60°S, 149.81°W), (2) MRB (Maharepa Research Base) site on the north shore near Maharepa township (17.48°S, 149.81°W), and (3) multiple survey sites distributed around the island including northern and western shores. All sites were located 30-300 meters from the reef crest in sand and coral rubble habitats dominated by Pocillopora corals. Field work was conducted from the UC Berkeley Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station.

​Acronyms:

MRB = Maharepa Research Base
CAFI = Coral Associated Fauna and Invertebrates
AFDW = Ash-Free Dry Weight
WoRMS = World Register of Marine Species (marinespecies.org)
AphiaID = Aphia ID (ID for taxonomic names at WoRMS)