BleachWatch coordinates a network of trained observers to report on actual coral conditions during bleaching events. The data was collected by the Florida Keys BleachWatch program under NOAA_NCEI from June to October 2018. Observations include environmental conditions and visual assessments of coral health.
Use Cases
- Correlate reported environmental conditions with observed percent of bleached live coral cover to model bleaching triggers.
- Analyze observer reports of major coral growth types to assess species-specific susceptibility to bleaching.
- Use geographic zone reports to map spatial patterns of bleaching severity and identify potential refuge areas.
- Validate and improve the accuracy of coral bleaching early warning products by integrating direct observer assessments.
Strengths
- Data collected by trained observers using standardized report forms and underwater visual aids.
- Observations explicitly include reports of 'no bleaching present', providing crucial negative data points.
Limitations
- Dataset covers a single bleaching season (5 months in 2018), limiting long-term trend analysis.
- Specific sample size, column names, and data completeness are unknown from the provided description.
Provenance
- Source
- NOAA_NCEI, Florida Keys BleachWatch program.
- Collection Method
- Visual assessments by a network of trained diver observers using standardized forms and underwater aids.
- Time Range
- 2018-06-02 to 2018-10-30
- Freshness
- Data collection ended on 2018-10-30; no update frequency specified.
- Geography
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.