Estuarine, Coastal, and Near Coastal Regional Assessments

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What does this data set describe?

Title: Estuarine, Coastal, and Near Coastal Regional Assessments
Abstract:
Since 1993, a series of estuarine, coastal, and offshore regional assessments have been conducted to assess the status of ecological condition and potential stressor impacts throughout various coastal regions of the United States. These survey areas cover estuaries, near-coastal areas, and four of the U.S. Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs): California Current, the Northeastern U.S. Continental Shelf, the Southeastern U.S. Continental Shelf, and Gulf of Mexico. They also coincide with various regional planning areas of the Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) Interim Framework developed recently by the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force (2009). Sampling sites are also included within marine protected areas, such as NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries (NMSs) and National Estuarine Research Reserves, where applicable. The studies have applied methodologies and indicators similar to EPA’s National Coastal Assessment program, including probabilistic sampling designs and multiple measures of water quality, sediment quality, benthic condition, and fish-tissue contamination.
  1. How should this data set be cited?

    US Department of Commerce (USDOC)/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Ocean Service (NOS)/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)/Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR)/Coastal Ecology Program, 2013, Estuarine, Coastal, and Near Coastal Regional Assessments: NOAA's Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Charleston, South Carolina.

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -178.4
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -68.7
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 49.00
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 23.0

  3. What does it look like?

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Beginning_Date: 1993
    Beginning_Time: Unknown
    Ending_Date: Present
    Ending_Time: Unknown
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    station
    Table of primary sampling stations. (Source: Assigned)

    stationId
    Sequential integer key that uniquely identifies a record in station table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: Microsoft SQL Server)

    Sequential integer automatically generated by SQL Server to uniquely identify table record and used as primary key.

    stationCode
    Character string to uniquely identify a sampling station (Source: CEP)

    Unique station identifier.

    zone
    Sampling zone (Source: CEP)

    Zone is used in some field surveys to identify sub-regions of the overall sampling area.

    stratum
    Sampling stratum (Source: CEP)

    Corresponds to sampling stratum for stratified random survey designs.

    station
    Station identifier (Source: CEP)

    Station identifier for a given study. Only globablly unique in combination with studyId.

    plannedLatitude
    Latitude of targeted sampling station in decimal degrees. (Source: CEP)

    Latitude of station, assigned during study design and prior to field sampling.

    plannedLongitude
    Longitude of targeted sampling station in decimal degrees. (Source: CEP)

    Longitude of station, assigned during study design and prior to field sampling.

    statisticalArea
    Area represented by station (in square kilometers). Used to assign station weights in probabilistic survey design. (Source: CEP)

    Area represented by station in square kilometers.

    locationId
    Foreign key used to relate a record in the station table to a unique location name in the location table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the station table to corresponding locations in the location table.

    studyId
    Integer foreign key used to relate records in the station table to a unique study name in the study table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the station table to corresponding records in the study table.

    estuaryClassId
    Integer foreign key used to relate records in the station table to a unique estuary class type in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the station table to an estuary type in the tableEntry table.

    stationTypeId
    Integer foreign key used to relate records in the station table to a unique station type in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the station table to unique station types in the tableEntry table.

    siteID
    Character string assigned to a station in the statistical survey design phase. (Source: CEP)

    Character string assigned to a station during statistical survey design phase.

    xcoord
    X-coordinate for a sampling site. May be in decimal degrees or projected coordinate system. Generated as part of statistical survey design. (Source: CEP)

    X-coordinate for a sampling station. May be in decimal degrees or projected coordinate system.

    ycoord
    Y-coordinate for a sampling site. May be in decimal degrees or projected coordinate system. Generated as part of statistical survey design. (Source: CEP)

    Y-coordinate for a sampling site. May be in decimal degrees or projected coordinate system.

    mdcaty
    Multi-density category. Used to classify sites as part of a Generalized Random Tesselation Stratified (GRTS) survey design. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing multi-density categories used to classify sites in a GRTS survey design.

    wgt
    Area (in square meters) represented by a sampling station. Used to assign station weights in probabilistic sampling design and analysis. (Source: CEP)

    Area (in square meters) represented by a sampling station.

    panel
    Character string used to identify panel structure for a survey over time. Used in Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) survey design. (Source: CEP)

    Character string identifying panel structure in a survey over time. Used in GRTS survey design.

    frame_sqkm
    Size (in square kilometers) of the sampling frame defining a targeted survey area. Used to obtain station weights in a probabilistic survey design. (Source: CEP)

    Size of the sampling frame in a probabilistic survey design.

    collection
    Table of sample collections at each sampling station. (Source: CEP)

    collectionId
    Unique sequential integer identifying each record in the collection table. Automatically generated by Microsoft SQL Server. Set as primary key for the table. (Source: Microsoft SQL Server.)

    Sequential integer key automatically generated by SQL Server.

    stationId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the collection table to a unique station in the station table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating collections to the station where the collections were made.

    collectionDTstart
    Starting date and time of sample collection at a station. (Source: CEP)

    Date and time when sample collection was initiated at a station.

    collectionDTend
    Ending date and time for sample collection at a station. (Source: CEP)

    Date and time when sample collection was completed at a station.

    timeZone
    Time zone for the location where sample was collected. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the time zone where a sample was collected.

    fieldMethodId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the collection table to the field method description in the method table. Defines the field sample collection method. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating sample collection records to the field collection method used to collect the sample(s).

    fieldReplicate
    Integer value used to identify replicates when multiple field samples were obtained for a given collection event at a station. (Source: CEP)

    Integer value that identifies a field replicate sample for a collection.

    collectionLatitude
    Latitude of sample collection location in decimal degrees. (Source: CEP)

    Latitude of sample collection location in decimal degrees.

    collectionLongitude
    Longitude of sample collection location in decimal degrees. (Source: CEP)

    Longitude of sample collection location in decimal degrees.

    originalCollectionCode
    Character string originally assigned to sample on collection in the field. (Source: CEP)

    Character string identifying field-collected sample.

    labCollectionCode
    Character string assigned by laboratory. (Source: CEP)

    Character string identifying a lab-collected sample.

    supplierCollectionCode
    Character string identifying a sample provided by a supplier. (Source: CEP)

    Character string identifying a sample provided by a supplier.

    comment
    Free text character string providing information about the sample collected in the field. (Source: CEP)

    Character string describing conditions unique to the sample collected in the field.

    vesselId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the collection table to description of the vessel from which samples were collected, found in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key used to relate records in the collection table to the corresponding vessel description in the tableEntry table.

    positioningAuthorityId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the collection table to positioning authority information in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the collection table to the corresponding entry in the tableEntry table which describes the positioning authority (LORAN, GPS, DGPS).

    infaunaReplicate
    Integer value identifying the benthic infaunal replicate. (Source: CEP)

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:5

    exposureData
    Table containing records for exposure or in-situ measurements of water and sediment parameters. Includes measurements of water chemistry and physical parameters, water-column nutrients, sediment characteristics, sediment chemistry, and sediment toxicity. (Source: CEP)

    exposureDataId
    Integer key that uniquely identifies a row in the exposureData table. Sequential integer value automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Auto-generated integer key used to uniquely identify records in the exposureData table.

    collectionId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the exposureData table to the corresponding collection records in the collection table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating measurements to the corresponding field collections.

    labSampleCode
    Character string assigned to sample by analytical lab. (Source: CEP)

    Character string sample code assigned by the lab analyzing the sample.

    labReplicate
    Integer value identifying the replicate number of the laboratory analysis performed on the sample. Used when multiple replicate analyses are performed on the same sample. (Source: CEP)

    Integer value identifying analytical replicate performed on a sample.

    parameterId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the exposureData table to a description of the measured parameter in the parameter table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating exposureData records to the corresponding parameter description in the parameter table.

    resultNumeric
    Numeric value of the measurement made on the sample. (Source: CEP)

    Decimal values obtained from measurements made on a sample.

    resultText
    Character representation of a measurement made on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the text result of a measurement taken on a sample.

    unitId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the exposureData table to an entry in the tableEntry table which describes the units of the measurement made on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating measurements in the exposureData table to the corresponding units described in the tableEntry table.

    detectionLimit
    The method detection limit of a measurement taken on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Decimal values representing the method detection limit.

    analyticalMethodId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the exposureData table to the corresponding analytical method described in the method table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the exposureData table to corresponding records in the method table.

    qaCode
    Character string representing a quality assurance code used to qualify an analytical measurement. (Source: CEP)

    Character string assigned by analytical lab to qualify result.

    comment
    Free text character string describing conditions unique to a measurement result for a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string used to provide additional information about a sample measurement result.

    processDate
    The date when a sample was analyzed. (Source: CEP)

    Date of sample analysis.

    bioAbundanceData
    Table of biological abundance data. Contains quantitative measurements of abundance of macro-benthic infauna and other organisms collected for tissue contaminants analysis (e.g., fish, molluscs). (Source: CEP)

    bioAbundanceDataId
    Sequential integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the bioAbundanceData table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Auto-generated integer key.

    collectionId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioAbundanceData table to the corresponding collection information in the collection table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating bioAbundanceData records to the corresponding collection information.

    labSampleCode
    Code assigned by lab analyzing the sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string used to identify sample by the analytical lab.

    labReplicate
    Integer replicate number assigned to a sample by the analytical lab. (Source: CEP)

    Integer value assigned to a replicate analytical sample.

    parameterId
    Integer foreign key relating measurements in the bioAbundanceData table the corresponding parameter description in the parameter table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating bioAbundanceData measurements to the corresponding parameter description in the parameter table.

    analyticalMethodId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioAbundanceData table to corresponding analytical method description in the method table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioAbundanceData table to the corresponding analytical method description.

    tsn
    Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) assigned for a taxon. (Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) http://www.itis.gov/)

    Integer-valued code assigned to a taxon by ITIS.

    taxonName
    Taxon name assigned to a specimen. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the taxonomic name assigned to a specimen.

    resultInteger
    Number of specimens of a taxon collected. (Source: CEP)

    Integer value corresponding to counts (abundances) of organisms collected.

    resultText
    Text result of organism abundance. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing abundance of organisms.

    unitId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioAbundanceData table to the corresponding units description in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating bioAbundanceData records to description of the corresponding units of measurement.

    qaCode
    Quality assurance code associated with a measurement to provide additional information regarding confidence in the result. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing a quality assurance qualifier code.

    taxFlag
    Taxonomic flag assigned to indicate whether a taxon should be ignored for calculation of ecological indices. (Source: CEP)

    ValueDefinition
    0Do not ignore taxon for calculation of abundance, richness, or diversity.
    1Ignore taxon only for calculation of richness and diversity (but not abundance).
    2Ignore taxon for all calculations of abundance, richness, and diversity.

    comment
    Free text character string used to provide additional information about a sample measurement. (Source: CEP)

    Character string used to provide additional information about a sample measurement.

    areaSampled
    Surface area of the sampling device. (Source: CEP)

    Numeric value representing the area (usually in square meters) of a sampling device.

    child_tsn
    TSN of another taxon in the same sample that is a child (lower level in taxonomic hierarchy) of the current taxon. (Source: CEP)

    Integer-valued taxonomic serial number (TSN).

    parent_tsn
    Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) of a taxon in the same sample that is a parent (higher level in taxonomic hierarchy) of the current taxon. (Source: CEP)

    Integer-valued Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN).

    lump_tsn
    Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) that can be used to lump the current taxon to a higher taxonomic level. (Source: CEP)

    Integer-valued Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN).

    bioMetricsData
    Table of measurements of specimen biometrics (length, weight, sex). (Source: CEP)

    bioMetricsDataId
    Sequential integer key value that uniquely identifies a record in the bioMetricsData table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Auto-generated integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the bioMetricsData table.

    bioAbundanceDataId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioMetricsData table to the corresponding abundance record in the bioAbundanceData table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioMetricsData table to corresponding abundance data.

    labReplicate
    Replicate number assigned by the lab processing the specimen. (Source: CEP)

    Integer-valued laboratory replicate number.

    specimenNumber
    Integer ID assigned when measurements were made on multiple specimens of the same species in a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Sequential integer-valued ID assigned to each of multiple specimens of the same species in a sample.

    parameterId
    Integer foreign key used to relate records in the bioMetricsData table to corresponding parameter descriptions in the parameter table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioMetricsData table to corresponding parameter descriptions in the parameter table.

    resultInteger
    Integer-valued result for a measured parameter. (Source: CEP)

    Integer-valued measurement result.

    resultNumeric
    Numeric (decimal) value result for a measured parameter. (Source: CEP)

    Numeric- (decimal-) valued measurement result.

    resultText
    Character (text) result for a measured parameter. (Source: CEP)

    Text-valued measurement result.

    unitId
    Integer foreign key relating records in bioMetricsData table to corresponding description of units in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioMetricsData table to corresponding measurement units.

    qaCode
    Character string representing a quality assurance code used to qualify a measurement value. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing a quality assurance code.

    analyticalMethodId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioMetricsData table to the corresponding analytical method description in the method table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioMetricsData table to the corresponding analytical method description.

    isAggregate
    Logical value indicating whether measurement was performed on an aggregate of multiple specimens. (Source: CEP)

    ValueDefinition
    0No
    1Yes

    numberInAggregate
    If measurement was on an aggregate of multiple specimens, numberInAggregate is number of specimens comprising the aggregate. (Source: CEP)

    Integer count of the number of specimens in aggregate.

    comment
    Free text character string used to provide additional information about a measurement. (Source: CEP)

    Character string providing additional information about a measurement in the form of a comment.

    labSampleCode
    Code assigned by laboratory processing the sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the sample code used by the laboratory processing the sample.

    bioResponseData
    Table of biological response data. These are typically concentrations of chemical contaminants measured in edible tissues of fish and shellfish. (Source: CEP)

    bioResponseDataId
    Sequential integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the bioResponseData table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Auto-generated integer key uniquely identifying a record in bioResponseData table.

    bioAbundanceDataId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioResponseData table to corresponding abundance records in the bioAbundanceData table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in bioResponseData table to corresponding records in bioAbundanceData table.

    labSampleCode
    Code assigned by the laboratory analyzing the sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string sample code assigned by analytical lab.

    labReplicate
    Integer value identifying the replicate number of the laboratory analysis performed on the sample. Used when multiple replicate analyses are performed on the same sample. (Source: CEP)

    Integer value assigned to each replicate analysis performed on the same sample.

    parameterId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioResponseData table to a description of the measured parameter in the parameter table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioResponseData table to parameter description in the parameter table.

    resultNumeric
    Numeric result of the measured parameter analyzed for the sample. (Source: CEP)

    Decimal numeric result for a measured parameter.

    resultText
    Character representation of a measurement made on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Text result for a measured parameter on a sample.

    unitId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioResponseData table to an entry in the tableEntry table describing the units of measurement made on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioResponseData table to units of measurement in the tableEntry table.

    detectionLimit
    The method detection limit of a measurement taken on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Decimal numeric value representing the method detection limit for a measurement taken on a sample.

    qaCode
    Quality assurance code used to qualify an analytical measurement on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing a quality assurance code used to qualify an analytical measurement on a sample.

    analyticalMethodId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioResponseData table to the corresponding analytical method described in the method table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the exposureData table to the corresponding analytical method description in the method table.

    sampleDescriptionId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the bioResponseData table to a corresponding sample description in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the bioResponseData table to a corresponding sample description record in the tableEntry table.

    specimenNumber
    Integer ID assigned when measurements were made on multiple specimens of the same species in a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Integer value identifying individual specimens of the same species analyzed in a sample.

    isAggregate
    Logical value indicating whether analysis was performed on an aggregate of multiple specimens in a sample. (Source: CEP)

    ValueDefinition
    0Analysis was not performed on an aggregate of specimens for the sample.
    1Analysis was performed on an aggregate of specimens for a sample.

    numberInAggregate
    The number of specimens comprising an aggregate of specimens analyzed for a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Integer count of the number of specimens in an aggregate sample.

    comment
    Free text character string used to provide additional information about a measurement on a sample. (Source: CEP)

    Character string used to provide additional information about a measurement on a sample.

    tableEntry
    Table of character descriptions of various attributes related to sample collection and analysis. (Source: CEP)

    tableEntryId
    Sequential integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the tableEntry table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Integer key uniquely identifying a record in the tableEntry table.

    shortDesc
    Short description of an attribute. (Source: CEP)

    Character string providing a short description of an attribute.

    longDesc
    Detailed description of an attribute. (Source: CEP)

    Character string providing a detailed description of an attribute.

    codeTableId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the tableEntry table to a description of the attribute type in codeTable. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the tableEntry table to a corresponding record in codeTable.

    codeTable
    Table linking descriptions of attribute types to the corresponding attribute descriptions in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    codeTableId
    Sequential integer key that uniquely identifies a record in codeTable. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Integer key uniquely identifying a record in codeTable.

    shortDesc
    Short description of an attribute type. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing a short description of an attribute type.

    longDesc
    Long description of an attribute type. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing a long description of an attribute type.

    method
    Table of collection and analytical method descriptions. (Source: CEP)

    methodId
    Sequential integer key uniquely identifying a record in the method table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the method table.

    shortDesc
    Short description of a collection or analytical method. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the short description of a collection or analytical method.

    longDesc
    Detailed description of a collection or analytical method. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing a detailed description of a collection or analytical method.

    typeId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the method table to corresponding method type in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the method table to corresponding method description in the tableEntry table.

    parameter
    Table of parameter descriptions. (Source: CEP)

    parameterId
    Sequential integer key uniquely identifying a record in the parameter table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key that uniquely identifies a row in the parameter table.

    shortDesc
    Short description of a parameter. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the short description of a parameter.

    longDesc
    Detailed description of a parameter. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the long description of a parameter.

    casNumber
    Unique identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service to every chemical described in the open scientific literature (currently including those described from at least 1957 through the present) and including elements, isotopes, organic and inorganic compounds, ions, organometallics, metals, nonstructurable materials (aka 'UVCB's- i.e., materials of Unknown, Variable Composition, or Biological origin). (Source: Chemical Abstracts Service (http://www.cas.org).)

    Character string representing the unique identifier assigned to a chemical by the Chemical Abstracts Service.

    classId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the parameter table to the corresponding chemical class description in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key that related records in the parameter table to the corresponding chemical class description in the tableEntry table.

    location
    Table of location descriptions. (Source: CEP)

    locationId
    Sequential integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the location table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Integer key uniquely identifying a record in the location table.

    locationName
    The name of a location. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the name of a location.

    stateId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the location table to U.S. states listed in the state table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating location name in the location table to the corresponding U.S. state(s) in which the location occurs.

    oceanName
    Name of the ocean (if applicable) where the location occurs. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the name of an ocean.

    seaGulfName
    Name of a sea or gulf (if applicable) in which a location occurs. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the name of a sea or gulf.

    bayName
    Name of a bay (if applicable) where a location occurs. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the name of a bay.

    riverLakeName
    Name of a river or lake (if applicable) where a location occurs. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the name of a river or lake.

    study
    Table of study descriptions. (Source: CEP)

    studyId
    Sequential integer key uniquely identifying records in the study table. Automatically generated by SQL Server. Set as primary key. (Source: SQL Server)

    Integer key that uniquely identifies a record in the study table.

    studyName
    The name of a study. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the name of a study.

    studyCode
    Unique code assigned to a study. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the unique code assigned to a study.

    cruiseCode
    A unique code identifying an individual cruise event for a study. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the unique cruise code assigned to a study.

    year
    The year in which a study occurred. (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the year in which a study occurred.

    nbiStudyName
    Name of study used in the National Benthic Inventory (NBI). (Source: CEP)

    Character string representing the study name used in the National Benthic Inventory (NBI).

    projectId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the study table to project descriptions in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the study table to corresponding project descriptions.

    provinceId
    Integer foreign key relating records in the study table to the corresponding biogeographic province description in the tableEntry table. (Source: CEP)

    Integer key relating records in the study table to the corresponding biogeographic province description.

    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: Coastal Ecology Database
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    Relational database maintained by the Coastal Ecology Program (CEP) at the NOAA Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) in Charleston, SC.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    Database contains information gathered during field sampling surveys for water quality, water-column nutrients, sediment characteristics, sediment contaminant concentrations, sediment toxicity, abundance and diversity of macro-benthic infaunal organisms, and fish tissue contaminant concentrations.

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    USDOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CCEHBR/Coastal Ecology
    Charleston, SC 29412

    843-762-8511 (voice)

Why was the data set created?

Results of these surveys will be valuable in providing new information on ecological characteristics over broad estuarine, coastal, and continental shelf regions of the U.S., inclusive of important marine protected areas. The consistent and systematic sampling of the different biological and environmental variables across such a vast pool of stations provides an opportunity for learning more about the spatial patterns of living resources in these waters and processes controlling their distributions. Additionally, the synoptic sampling of a variety of different ecological indicators is important in providing a means to support integrative “weight-of-evidence” assessments of condition across these sites, and to allow the examination of potential associations between presence of stressors and biological responses. Another useful feature of the sampling framework in these studies is the incorporation of a random probabilistic survey design. This approach provides the ability to make unbiased statistical estimates of the spatial extent of the study area having degraded versus non-degraded condition, based on the status of the various measured ecological indicators relative to desired management thresholds. This information can then be used as a baseline for quantifying long-term trends and how environmental conditions may be changing in relation to potential human or natural disturbances. Comparisons also can be made of conditions within NOAA's National Marine Sanctuaries, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and the broader surrounding environments. Results are expected to support several NCCOS and NOAA strategic goals, including: (1) providing baseline assessments of ecological resources in NOAA protected areas and coastal ecosystems; (2) conducting studies to quantify impacts of potential ecosystem stressors in these areas; 3) determining social, economical, & biological effects of human activities on coastal ecosystems; & (4) building effective partnerships. Data should be useful in the development of a variety of related products including contributions to National Coastal Condition reports, revised Sanctuary Management Plans & reports, scientific publications, & educational outreach modules. Results also support NOAA's emerging goal to move toward ecosystem-based approaches to the management of coastal resources and to fulfill such priorities through Integrated Ecosystem Assessments and Regional Collaborations.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

    Coastal Ecology Database (source 1 of 1)
    NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR), Charleston, SC., 2013, Coastal Ecology Database.

    Type_of_Source_Media: Relational database
    Source_Contribution:
    Data on water, sediment, and biological condition collected and maintained by the Coastal Ecology Program.

  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: Not complete (process 1 of 1)
    Upon arriving at a sampling station, observations of general site conditions are recorded on a data sheet. Measurements of physical water parameters are then measured using a data sonde. If applicable, discrete water samples are collected for nutrient analysis. After all water measurements are completed, grab sampling is initiated in order to collect sediments for analysis of benthic macroinfaunal abundance and diversity, sediment granulometry, sediment toxicity, and chemical contaminant analysis. When all water and sediment sampling is complete, organisms (fish or shellfish) are collected for subsequent tissue contaminant analysis.

  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    Values were checked against hard-copy data sheets collected in the field, electronic data files generated by sampling instruments (data sondes), and laboratory analytical instrumentation.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

    Sample locations were located in the field using a differential Global Positioning System (GPS), and station coordinates, date, and time of day were recorded upon arrival at each station.

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

    Water depth of sediment samples are obtained from vessel depth sounder, if available, or from maximum depth of data sonde readings. Tide corrections have not been applied.

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    A data point is provided for every sample location.

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    All data are believed to be logically consistent.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
By accessing and downloading data presented in this web site you are agreeing to the following conditions: 1. The information, data records, or images presented in these databases may not be reproduced, redistributed, repackaged or publicly displayed in any form without the express written permission of a staff member of the NOAA Ocean Service. 2. Downloaded records, information or images from this site may be used strictly for non-profit purposes such as scientific, scholarly or educational activities provided this web site is acknowledged using standard citation for electronic materials (hyperlink to citations) in all copies and the webmaster notified. 3. Data are provided on an end-user basis. These data should not be redistributed to third parties without prior approval. 4. Information in the databases may be published or remain unpublished. It is the users responsibility to verify if any information has already been published for citation purposes. 5. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information provided within these databases, use of the information is entirely at your own risk. All data and images are provided "AS IS" for the end user's informational purposes only. Staff are not responsible for any negative consequences resulting from reliance on or use of information contained in the databases. Risk of injury rests entirely with the user. 6. The information presented is as accurate as the staff can reasonably make it. Data provided in the databases are compiled from various researchers working though several different institutions. If ever you believe a data record presented is in error for any reason, let us know what and why. The updating of information and ensuring its accuracy are continual processes.

  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)

    USDOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CCEHBR/Coastal Ecology
    Charleston, SC 29412

    843-762-8511 (voice)

  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

    none

  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 2013
Last Reviewed: 2013
Metadata author:
USDOC/NOAA/NOS/NCCOS/CCEHBR/Coastal Ecology
219 Fort Johnson Road
Charleston, South Carolina 29412

(843) 762 8511 (voice)

Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

Generated by mp version 2.9.26 on Thu Jun 26 08:49:31 2014