Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Reproductive information for coral reef fish collected from markets and local vendors on Tutuila, American Samoa from 2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16 (NCEI Accession 0176110)

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This dataset contains data from laboratory analysis of coral reef fish collected near Tutuila, American Samoa from 2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16. Natural-resource professionals from American Samoa's Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources performed novel research on the reproductive biology of exploited reef fishes. Participants worked as a group to produce new information for six species: Acanthurus guttatus, Acanthurus lineatus, Acanthurus nigricans, Ctenochatus striatus, Chlorurus japanensis and Scarus oviceps. These data can be used to describe: length-weight relationships (including sex-based differences), size-at-maturity for each sex (minimum size-at-maturity, and size-at-50%-maturity), reproductive mode (total vs batch spawning, gonochorism vs hermaphroditism), sex ratios (overall, operational, and size-specific), length-fecundity relationships, and reproductive periodicity (lunar, seasonal).

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Longenecker, Ken; Elisara, Feiloaiga; Felise, Sean; Franklin, Erik; Kitiona, Faasalafa; Lavatai, Tepora; Lawrence, Alice; Langston, Ross; Mataafa, Christina; Schuster, Ekueta; Soonaolo, Auvaa; Tofaeono, Poasa; Tone, Luatasi; Travers, Vernon; Tuilagi, Fale; Umi, Herbie; Vaeoso, Motusaga; Vaofanua, Malia (2018). Reproductive information for coral reef fish collected from markets and local vendors on Tutuila, American Samoa from 2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16 (NCEI Accession 0176110). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0176110. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0176110

Full Text · XML

Download Data	HTTPS (download) Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. FTP (download) These data are available through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is no longer supported by most internet browsers. You may copy and paste the FTP link to the data into an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP).
Distribution Formats	Originator data format
Ordering Instructions	Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov

Time Period	2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -170.85 East: -170.53 South: -14.383 North: -14.217
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation

NCEI Dataset Landing Page
Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.
Descriptive Information
Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.

Associated Resources

Manual of Fisheries Science Part 2 - Methods of Resource Investigation and their Application
- Manual of Fisheries Science Part 2 - Methods of Resource Investigation and their Application (download)
  Training material
Empirical relationships to estimate asymptotic length, length at first maturity and length at maximum yield per recruit in fishes, with a simple method to evaluate length frequency data
- Empirical relationships to estimate asymptotic length, length at first maturity and length at maximum yield per recruit in fishes, with a simple method to evaluate length frequency data
  online article
The case for data-less marine resource management: examples from tropical nearshore finfisheries
- The case for data-less marine resource management: examples from tropical nearshore finfisheries
  journal article
Rapid Reproductive Analysis and Length-Dependent Relationships of Lutjanus biguttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) from Papua New Guinea
- Rapid Reproductive Analysis and Length-Dependent Relationships of Lutjanus biguttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) from Papua New Guinea (download)
  online journal article
The Functional Morphology of Teleost Gonads
- The Functional Morphology of Teleost Gonads
  Chapter 6
Marine reserves: simple solutions to managing complex fisheries?
- Marine reserves: simple solutions to managing complex fisheries? (download)
  Journal article
Essential relationships incorporating the influence of age, size and condition on variables required for estimation of reproductive potential in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua
- Essential relationships incorporating the influence of age, size and condition on variables required for estimation of reproductive potential in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (download)
  Journal article
Cellular and dynamic aspects of oocyte growth in teleosts
- Cellular and dynamic aspects of oocyte growth in teleosts (download)
  Journal article

Publication Dates	publication: 2018-10-30
Data Presentation Form	Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status	Complete - production of the data has been completed Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency	As needed
Supplemental Information	Submission Package ID: 8C5CHJ
Purpose	The overall objective of the project was to train a cadre of natural-resource professionals from the Territory of American Samoa to use newly developed methods for rapid, low-cost, reproductive analysis of coral-reef fishes. These methods require minimal research infrastructure and are suitable for use on participants' home and neighboring islands. Basic reproductive information (e.g., size at maturity) is lacking for most fishes (Froese & Binohlan 2000). This problem is especially acute for coral-reef fishes. The sheer diversity of coral-reef fishes, the supposed cost associated with the reproductive analysis of each species, and the lack of expertise and research infrastructure in developing Pacific Island nations (where most coral reefs are located) are often cited as barriers to obtaining this important base-line information (Roberts & Polunin 1993, Johannes 1998, Froese & Binohlan 2000). These problems hinder current abilities to effectively manage coral-reef fisheries in the Pacific. To address these issues, Longenecker et al. (2013) developed a method for rapid, low-cost, on-site, histology-based reproductive analysis that requires minimal research infrastructure. With this method, reproductive information can be generated quickly, and its low cost eliminates one of the arguments against broad-scale reproductive analysis surveys. Training a new crop of fish reproductive biologists who can independently use this method will increase the rate at which new reproductive information is generated, thus increasing the potential to effectively manage and conserve Pacific coral-reef fishes. The data presented here can be used to generate and disseminate novel reproductive information for commonly exploited Pacific reef fishes, including: 1) Length-weight relationships, 2) Size-at-maturity, 3) Reproductive mode, 4) Size-specific sex ratios, 5) Size-fecundity relationships, and 6) Reproductive periodicity.
Use Limitations	accessLevel: Public Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.

Dataset Citation	Cite as: Longenecker, Ken; Elisara, Feiloaiga; Felise, Sean; Franklin, Erik; Kitiona, Faasalafa; Lavatai, Tepora; Lawrence, Alice; Langston, Ross; Mataafa, Christina; Schuster, Ekueta; Soonaolo, Auvaa; Tofaeono, Poasa; Tone, Luatasi; Travers, Vernon; Tuilagi, Fale; Umi, Herbie; Vaeoso, Motusaga; Vaofanua, Malia (2018). Reproductive information for coral reef fish collected from markets and local vendors on Tutuila, American Samoa from 2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16 (NCEI Accession 0176110). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0176110. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Longenecker, Ken Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Elisara, Feiloaiga American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Felise, Sean American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Franklin, Erik Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology Kitiona, Faasalafa American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Lavatai, Tepora American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Lawrence, Alice American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Langston, Ross Windward Community College (WCC) Mataafa, Christina American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Schuster, Ekueta American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Soonaolo, Auvaa American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Tofaeono, Poasa American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Tone, Luatasi American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Travers, Vernon American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Tuilagi, Fale American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Umi, Herbie American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Vaeoso, Motusaga American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Vaofanua, Malia American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources
Principal Investigators	Ken Longenecker Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Collaborators	Feiloaiga Elisara American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Sean Felise American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Erik Franklin Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) Faasalafa Kitiona American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Tepora Lavatai American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Alice Lawrence American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Ross Langston Windward Community College Christina Mataafa American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Ekueta Schuster American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Auvaa Soonaolo American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Poasa Tofaeono American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Luatasi Tone American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Vernon Travers American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Fale Tuilagi American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Herbie Umi American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Motusaga Vaeoso American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Malia Vaofanua American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources
Contributors	Windward Community College American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Resource Providers	Ken Longenecker Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Related Funding Agency: 2016 Saltonstall-Kennedy Competitive Research Program (opportunity number NOAA-NMFS-FHQ-2016-2004617, award number NA16NMF4270264)

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS fecundity FISH - CORAL REEF FISH SPECIES INDIVIDUAL FISH EXAMINATION - LENGTH INDIVIDUAL FISH EXAMINATION - SEX INDIVIDUAL FISH EXAMINATION - SEXUAL MATURITY INDIVIDUAL FISH EXAMINATION - WEIGHT SPECIES IDENTIFICATION SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - ORGANISM LENGTH SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - SEX SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - SEXUAL MATURITY SPECIES IDENTIFICATION - TOTAL WEIGHT NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS biological fish examination laboratory analyses manual sample collection WMO_CategoryCode oceanography CoRIS Discovery Thesaurus Numeric Data Sets > Biology Numeric Data Sets > Fish Census CoRIS Theme Thesaurus EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish > Fecundity Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > FISH Provider Keywords EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish > Gonadosomatic Index EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish > Maturity EARTH SCIENCE > Oceans > Marine Biology > Fish > Reproduction dilution estimate batch fecundity fish egg stage gonad weight
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology Windward Community College NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords UHI/SOEST/HIMB > Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawaii
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS laboratory analysis microscope scale Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords MICROSCOPES > MICROSCOPES Provider Instruments Battery-operated jeweler's scales Compound microscope Dissecting microscope Hanging spring scales MT1 Porter-Blum microtome Stempel pipette
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS South Pacific Ocean CoRIS Place Thesaurus COUNTRY/TERRITORY > United States of America > American Samoa > American Samoa > Tutuila Island (14S170W0016) OCEAN BASIN > Pacific Ocean > American Samoa > Tutuila Island (14S170W0016) Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > PACIFIC OCEAN > SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0176110

Use Constraints	Cite as: Longenecker, Ken; Elisara, Feiloaiga; Felise, Sean; Franklin, Erik; Kitiona, Faasalafa; Lavatai, Tepora; Lawrence, Alice; Langston, Ross; Mataafa, Christina; Schuster, Ekueta; Soonaolo, Auvaa; Tofaeono, Poasa; Tone, Luatasi; Travers, Vernon; Tuilagi, Fale; Umi, Herbie; Vaeoso, Motusaga; Vaofanua, Malia (2018). Reproductive information for coral reef fish collected from markets and local vendors on Tutuila, American Samoa from 2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16 (NCEI Accession 0176110). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0176110. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints	Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees	In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	2018-10-30T21:24:15Z - NCEI Accession 0176110 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0176110 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0176110 v1.1 (download) published 2018-10-30T21:24:15Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: FISH SPECIES (measured); Units: genus species; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: trapped; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Identified by natural-resource professionals; Data Quality Method: fish identity is high quality. Parameter or Variable: fish length (measured); Units: cm, from front of head with mouth closed to end of middle caudal ray; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: measuring device; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Length, from the front of the head with mouth closed to the end of the middle caudal ray, was measured to 0.1 cm.; Data Quality Method: precision to 0.1 cm. Parameter or Variable: fish weight (measured); Units: gram; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: hanging spring scales; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Whole body weight was measured with the smallest-possible of two hanging spring-scales (100 or 1000 g capacity, with 1 or 10 g increments, respectively), with the exception of seven juvenile Balistapus undulatus that were weighed on a battery-powered jeweler's scale to 0.0001 g.; Data Quality Method: high precision. Parameter or Variable: Egg Stage (measured); Units: based on the criteria of Wallace & Sellman 1981; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: MT1 Porter-Blum microtome; Stempel pipette;Dissecting microscope;Compound microscope; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Size-at-Maturity and Reproductive Mode: The Dietrich's-fixed gonad subsamples were dehydrated ethanol (30 min in each of 50%, and two changes of 95% ethanol). Using plastic embedding medium (JB4, Electron Microscopy Sciences) and following kit instructions, gonad sections were infiltrated in two changes of infiltration solution, transferred into embedding capsules (BEEM (copyright), size 00), and embedded. Because high humidity in tropical locations often prevents tissue blocks from hardening completely, tissue blocks were dehydrated for 12 hours in a "desiccating chamber" (a diver's dry box containing silica gel packets and placed in full sunlight). From each embedded gonad subsample 10 tissue sections (approximately 7 um thick), distributed evenly throughout each tissue block, were obtained by serial sectioning on an MT1 Porter-Blum microtome outfitted with a glass knife. The tissue sections were floated on water droplets distributed on microscope slides, and slides were dried on a "warmer" (a flat piece of thick metal placed in full sunlight). Tissue sections (now affixed to the slides) were stained in a 0.5% solution of Toluidine Blue in water for 15 s. Excess stain was removed with a gentle stream of water, and the slides were once again dried on the "warmer". Ovary sections were examined at 40X and testis sections at 100X for evidence of reproductive maturity. Ovaries were classified according to Wallace and Selman (1981) and testes according to Nagahama (1983). Females were considered mature with the onset of vitellogenesis or when post-ovulatory follicles were present, and males mature when the testes contained visible spermatozoa (sperm cells with tails)..

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: FISH SPECIES (measured); Units: genus species; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: trapped; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Identified by natural-resource professionals; Data Quality Method: fish identity is high quality.
Parameter or Variable: fish length (measured); Units: cm, from front of head with mouth closed to end of middle caudal ray; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: measuring device; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Length, from the front of the head with mouth closed to the end of the middle caudal ray, was measured to 0.1 cm.; Data Quality Method: precision to 0.1 cm.
Parameter or Variable: fish weight (measured); Units: gram; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: hanging spring scales; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Whole body weight was measured with the smallest-possible of two hanging spring-scales (100 or 1000 g capacity, with 1 or 10 g increments, respectively), with the exception of seven juvenile Balistapus undulatus that were weighed on a battery-powered jeweler's scale to 0.0001 g.; Data Quality Method: high precision.
Parameter or Variable: Egg Stage (measured); Units: based on the criteria of Wallace & Sellman 1981; Observation Category: laboratory analysis; Sampling Instrument: MT1 Porter-Blum microtome; Stempel pipette;Dissecting microscope;Compound microscope; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Size-at-Maturity and Reproductive Mode: The Dietrich's-fixed gonad subsamples were dehydrated ethanol (30 min in each of 50%, and two changes of 95% ethanol). Using plastic embedding medium (JB4, Electron Microscopy Sciences) and following kit instructions, gonad sections were infiltrated in two changes of infiltration solution, transferred into embedding capsules (BEEM (copyright), size 00), and embedded. Because high humidity in tropical locations often prevents tissue blocks from hardening completely, tissue blocks were dehydrated for 12 hours in a "desiccating chamber" (a diver's dry box containing silica gel packets and placed in full sunlight). From each embedded gonad subsample 10 tissue sections (approximately 7 um thick), distributed evenly throughout each tissue block, were obtained by serial sectioning on an MT1 Porter-Blum microtome outfitted with a glass knife. The tissue sections were floated on water droplets distributed on microscope slides, and slides were dried on a "warmer" (a flat piece of thick metal placed in full sunlight). Tissue sections (now affixed to the slides) were stained in a 0.5% solution of Toluidine Blue in water for 15 s. Excess stain was removed with a gentle stream of water, and the slides were once again dried on the "warmer". Ovary sections were examined at 40X and testis sections at 100X for evidence of reproductive maturity. Ovaries were classified according to Wallace and Selman (1981) and testes according to Nagahama (1983). Females were considered mature with the onset of vitellogenesis or when post-ovulatory follicles were present, and males mature when the testes contained visible spermatozoa (sperm cells with tails)..

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	laboratory analysis microscope scale

Last Modified: 2024-01-07T18:45:41Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Reproductive information for coral reef fish collected from markets and local vendors on Tutuila, American Samoa from 2016-12-20 to 2017-11-16 (NCEI Accession 0176110)

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