Using the SEAMAP Ichthyoplankton Databases The following document is intended to serve as a basic guideline for working with SEAMAP ichthyoplankton data. The goal of which is to familiarize users with the primary data structures and variables, as well as give users insight into how the data may be used for analysis. The document will assume that users of these database files are familiar with basic database manipulations such as merges, sorts and the creation and/ or deletion or variables ( fields). Concepts for working to achieve specific goals will be outlined in broad concepts. This will allow users to utilize their own preferred methods for database manipulation and analysis. The document is broken up into three sections. Section I, is a listing of database structures, variable definitions and listings of codes specific to each variable. Section II, describes the relationships within and among the databases. Section III, addresses concepts on how to utilize the databases to quantitatively summarize data on fish eggs and larvae with comments on issues regarding specific variables necessary for quantification.

SECTION I Data Structures The 3 primary databases necessary to summarize data on fish eggs and larvae are the STATCARD, ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK. The STATCARD contains information on where and when sampling operations ( stations) have taken places. The ICHSTRWK contains information on the plankton samples taken at each station. While the ICHSARWK contains information on the individual taxa collected in each sample. Each of the database structures and its variables are outlined below:

STATCARD Database File Structure Field Name = database variable name Type = character, numeric or date variable Wid = width/ format Dec = number of decimal places in field if applicable Range/ Table = valid range of values or code table listing Req = Minimum required fields Units = Units recorded in Field Name Type Wid Dec Range/ Table Req Units 1 CRUISE_ NO Char 3 * 2 VESSEL Char 2 VESSELS * 3 P_ STA_ NO Char 5 * 4 TIME_ ZN Char 1 TIMEZONE * 5 MIL_ TIME Char 4 0000  2359 * hrs, min 6 S_ LATD Num 2 0 <= x <= 90 * degrees 7 S_ LATM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes 8 S_ LATH Char 1 N or X 9 S_ LOND Num 3 0 <= x <= 180 * degrees 10 S_ LONM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes 11 S_ LONH Char 1 W or X 12 ST_ DEPTH Num 6 1 x > 0 * fathoms 13 S_ STA_ NO Char 5 14 MO_ DAY_ YR Date 8 * mm/ dd/ yy 15 END_ TIME Char 4 0000  2359 hrs, min 16 E_ LATD Num 2 0 <= x <= 90 degrees 17 E_ LATM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes 18 E_ LATH Char 1 N or X 19 E_ LOND Num 3 0 <= x <= 180 degrees 20 E_ LONM Num 5 2 0 <= x < 60 minutes 21 E_ LONH Char 1 W or X 22 EDEPTH Num 6 1 x > 0 fathoms 23 GEARS Char 14 GEARTYPE 24 SURF_ TEMP Num 5 2  1.1 <= x <= 34 deg ( C) 25 BOT_ TEMP Num 5 2  1.1 <= x <= 32 deg ( C) 26 AIR_ TEMP Num 4 1 x >  10 deg ( C) 27 B_ PRSSR Num 6 1 880 <= x <= 1032 millibars or x = 0 28 WIND_ SPD Num 2 0 <= x <= 50 knots 29 WIND_ DIR Num 3 0 <= x <= 360 compass deg 30 WAVE_ HT Num 4 1 0 <= x <= 10 meters 31 SEA_ COND Char 1 0  9 Beaufort Scale 32 DATA_ CODE Char 2 DATACODE * 33 VESSEL_ SPD Num 4 1 0 < x <= 60 knots 34 STAT_ ZONE Num 5 1 x > 0 35 TOW_ NO Char 1 1  9 36 NET_ NO Char 1 1  3 37 COMMENT Char 111 Explanation Of STATCARD Variables CRUISE_ NO 3 character cruise code.

VESSEL 2 character vessel code. Valid Values are:

01 OREGON 02 SILVER BAY 03 GEORGE M. BOWERS 04 OREGON II 05 COMBAT 06 PELICAN 07 FRIGATA 08 KINGFISHER 09 HERNAN CORTEZ 10 GERONIMO 11 UNDAUNTED 12 ANTILLAS 13 CALAMAR 14 ALCYON 15 GULF RANGER 16 WESTERN GULF 17 TOMMY MUNRO 18 TANYA & JOE 19 ONJUKO 20 JEFF & TINA 21 DELAWARE II 22 OSV ANTELOPE 23 ALABAMA INSHORE VESSELS 24 FLORENCE MAY 25 LOUISIANA INSHORE VESSELS 26 SUNCOASTER 27 MISSISSIPPI INSHORE VESSE 28 CHAPMAN 29 NISSHING MARU # 201 30 R/ V BELLOWS 31 R. J. KEMP 32 MATAGORDA BAY 33 LAGUNA MADRE 34 GALVESTON BAY 35 LUMCON PELICAN 36 HERNAN CORTEZ II 37 OLD COLONY 38 SEAWOLF 39 ATLANTIC HARVESTER 40 SABINE 41 PERSISTANCE 42 CAPTAIN GRUMPY 43 GULF STREAM 44 KELCY ANN 45 MR. JUG 46 CALANUS 47 A. NEEDLER 48 B. I. P. 49 ALBATROSS IV 50 MOLLY M. 51 LADY LISA 52 MISS CARRIE 53 CSS HUDSON 54 CORAL SEA 55 CARETTA 56 R/ V ABREU 57 R/ V GUAYANILLA 58 SEAHORSE 59 LINDSAY 60 TEDDY'S SCOW 61 RELENTLESS 62 RATFIELD VESSELS 63 GORDON GUNTER 64 FERREL 65 TRINITY BAY 66 ALABAMA 38ft BERTRAM 67 NUECES BAY 68 MCARTHUR 69 SAN JACINTO 70 R/ V SARINNA 71 HARVESTING SYSTEM TECH 99 OTHER VESSELS P_ STA_ NO 5 character code designating the Pascagoula station number. TIME_ ZN 1 character time zone code. Valid values are:

1 Eastern Standard Time 2 Eastern Daylight Savings Time 3 Central Standard Time 4 Central Daylight Savings Time 8 Greenwich Mean Time 9 Other  Explain in Comments Section 5 Atlantic Standard Time 6 Atlantic Daylight Savings Time MIL_ TIME Starting time ( HHMM) in 24 hour military time.

S_ LATD Degree of latitude for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

S_ LATM Decimal minutes of latitude for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

S_ LATH Hemi sphere of latitude for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

S_ LOND Degree of longitude for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

S_ LONM Decimal minutes of longitude for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

S_ LONH Hemi sphere of longitude for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

ST_ DEPTH Station depth in fathoms for the position occupied at the start time of a station.

MO_ DAY_ YR Date station was taken in MM/ DD/ YY format. S_ STA_ NO 5 character SEAMAP or alternate station number.

END_ TIME Ending time ( HHMM) in 24 hour military time.

E_ LATD Degree of latitude for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

E_ LATM Decimal minutes of latitude for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

E_ LATH Hemi sphere of latitude for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

E_ LOND Degree of longitude for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

E_ LONM Decimal minutes of longitude for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

E_ LONH Hemi sphere of longitude for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

EDEPTH Station depth in fathoms for the position occupied at the end time of a station.

GEARS Up to seven 2 character gear codes. Valid values are:

A ASSORTED C BIOSONICS ACOUSTIC SYSTEM BG BATHYTHERMOGRAPH( CTD, STD) BC BOTTLE CAST GR BOTTOM GRAB OR CORE SAMPLER MC CAMERA, MOVIE SC CAMERA, STILL VC CAMERA, VIDEO CS CONTINUOUS FLOW SYSTEM CM CURRENT DOPPLER DL DEEP LINE DV DIVING CD DREDGE, CLAM QD DREDGE, QUAHOG SD DREDGE, SCALLOP TD DREDGE, TUMBLER XB EXPENDABLE BATHYTHERMOGRAPH( XB FP FISH PUMP GN GILLNET BL LONGLINE, BOTTOM KP LONGLINE, KALI POLE OB LONGLINE, OFF BOTTOM LL LONGLINE, SURFACE MQ MARQUESETTE MN MICROPEKTON ML MISCELLANEOUS NS NETSONDE LT NIGHT LIGHT OD ODOMETER OF OVERFLIGHT OX OXYGEN, SENSOR, CTD OY OXYGEN, SENSOR, YSI OH OXYGEN, TITRATION, HACHKIT OW OXYGEN, TITRATION, WINKLER OR OYSTER RAKE PN PLANKTON, GENERAL( BONGO, ETC.) MO PLANKTON, MOCNESS NN PLANKTON, SINGLE NEUSTON OR NEK DN PLANKTON, DOUBLE NEUSTON OR NEK RG PLANKTON, RING NET TU PLANKTON, TUCKER TRAWL RF RECORDING FATHOMETER RV REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLE( ROV) RT ROTENONE RN ROUND NET SA SALINITY, AUTOSAL SB SALINITY, BECKMAN RS5 SF SALINITY, CONTINUOUS FLOW SYSTE SX SALINITY, CTD RE SALINITY, REFRACTOMETER BS SEINE, BEACH LP SEINE, LAMPARA PS SEINE, PURSE TS SEINE, PURSE, TURTLE SO SONAR SJ SQUID JIG DR SURFACE DRIFTER RL TAG RELEASE TA TEMPERATURE, CONTINUOUS FLOW SY TC TEMPERATURE, CTD TB TEMPERATURE, BECKMAN RS5 TM TEMPERATURE, BUCKET TF TEMPERATURE, FLUKE TY TEMPERATURE, YSI CT TRAP, CRAB TR TRAP, FISH LR TRAP, LOBSTER, REED LW TRAP, LOBSTER, WIRE WT TRAP, LOBSTER, WOOD TV TRAP VIDEO BT TRAWL, BEAM BB TRAWL, BIB FT TRAWL, FISH EF TRAWL, FISH, EXPERIMENTAL FD TRAWL, FISH DEFLECTOR FE TRAWL, FISH EXCLUDER HO TRAWL, HIGH OPENING BOTTOM MT TRAWL, MIDWATER PT TRAWL, SCALLOP SN TRAWL, SEPARATOR SH TRAWL, SHUMAN ST TRAWL, SHRIMP ES TRAWL, SHRIMP, EXPERIMENTAL SM TRAWL, STANDARD MONGOOSE * T TRAWL, STAR TN TRAWL, TRYNET TE TRAWL, TURTLE EXCLUDER TT TRAWL, TWIN KT TRAWL, WING TG TROLLING GEAR VD VERTICAL DRIFTLINE CC CAMERA, CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISI 01 COMBINATION SS+ CC 02 COMBINATION SS+ PR 03 COMBINATION CC+ PR 04 COMBINATION SS+ CC+ PR 05 COMBINATION FM+ SS 06 COMBINATION FM+ SS+ PR 07 COMBINATION FM+ PR FM FATHOMETER FL FLUORESCENCE, CONTINUOUS FLOW S FX FLUORESCENCE, CTD PR PROFILER, 3.5 KHZ SUB BOTTOM SS SONAR, SIDE SCAN IT TRAP, ICHTHYOPLANKTON, ILLUMINAT SURF_ TEMP Surface temperature in degrees ( C).

BOT_ TEMP Bottom temperature in degrees ( C).

AIR_ TEMP Air temperature in degrees ( C).

B_ PRSSR Barometric pressure in millibars. WIND_ SPD Wind speed in knots.

WIND_ DIR Wind direction in compass degrees.

WAVE_ HT Wave height in meters.

SEA_ COND Sea surface condition according to Beaufort Scale.

DATA_ CODE 2 character data collection code designating collection agency. Valid values are:

AL Alabama FL Florida GA Georgia LA Louisiana MS Mississippi NC North Carolina SC South Carolina TX Texas US Federal Vessel 99 Other PR Puerto Rico VI Virgin Islands VESSEL_ SPD Vessel speed in knots.

STAT_ ZONE Code for SEAMAP shrimp statistical zone. Valid values are 01 to 22.

TOW_ NO Consecutive tow withing a SEAMAP ( S_ STA_ NO). Valid values are 1 to 9.

NET_ NO Code designating tow position of trawl. Valid values are 1 = Port 2 = Starboard 3 = Stern Trawl COMMENT Short comment regarding station operations and any issues with sampling.

ICHSTRWK Database File Structure Field Name Type Wid Dec Range/ Table Req Units 1 CRUISE_ NO Char 3 * 2 VESSEL Char 2 VESSELS * 3 P_ STA_ NO Char 5 * 4 SAMPLE_ NO Char 5 * 5 SIPC_ CODE Char 1 SIPC 6 DATA_ CODE Char 2 DATACODE * 7 CR_ STDATE Date 8 mm/ dd/ yy 8 CRENDDATE Date 8 mm/ dd/ yy 9 AREA_ PROJ Char 2 AREA_ PRO 10 PI_ CODE Char 2 PI_ CODE 11 TIME_ ZONE Char 1 TIMEZONE * 12 TIME Char 4 0000  2359 * hrs, min 13 GEAR_ CODE Char 2 GEAR_ ICH 14 MESH_ CODE Char 2 MESH_ ICH 15 START_ TIME Char 6 000000  235959 hrs, min, sec 16 END_ TIME Char 6 000000  235959 hrs, min, sec 17 START_ FLOW Num 6 x >= 0 meter reading 18 END_ FLOW Num 6 x >= 0 meter reading 19 MIN_ DEPTH Num 4 x >= 0 meters 20 MAX_ DEPTH Num 4 x >= 0 meters 21 VOL_ FILT Num 3 cu. meters 22 ROTOR Num 5 x >= 0 23 NO_ EGGS Num 6 x >= 0 24 EGGS_ ALIQU Char 4 ALIQUOT Explanation of ICHSTRWK Variables CRUISE_ NO 3 character cruise code.

VESSEL 2 character vessel code. See explanantion of STATCARD variables for valid values.

P_ STA_ NO 5 character code designating the Pascagoula station number.

SAMPLE_ NO 5 characer code designating the SEAMAP plankton sample number. This is a unique identifier for each sample. SIPC_ CODE Sample initial preservative code. Valid values are:

0 Unknown 1 5% Formalin 2 10% Formalin 3 95% Ethanol 4 70% Ethanol 5 0T0FIX DATA_ CODE Equivalent to DATA_ CODE in the STATCARD database file.

CR_ STDATE Date the cruise began in MM/ DD/ YY format.

CRENDDATE Date the cruise ended in MM/ DD/ YY format.

AREA_ PROJ Code for area and project. Valid Values are:

01 GOM/ SEAMAP 02 NOT SEAMAP 03 CAN/ RICHARDS 04 W. J. RICHARDS 05 SA/ SEAMAP PI_ CODE Principle Investigator Code. Valid Values are:

01 NMFS 02 GCRL 03 TOPW 04 FL. DNR 05 LDWF 06 STATE OF AL 07 UNIV. MIA. 08 CANADA 09 MEXICO 10 FL. INST. OCEAN 11 TEXAS 12 SOUTH CAROLINA TIME_ ZONE Equivalent in structure and valid values to TIME_ ZN in the STATCARD structures. May be different values and times than the STATCARD values. TIME Approximate time ( HHMM) plankton sampling operations began.

GEAR_ CODE Plankton gear code. Valid values are:

01 60 cm Bongo 0.61 02 1m Ring 1.00 03 1X2m Neuston 04 1/ 2m Ring 0.50 05 20 cm Bongo 0.20 07 1m** 2 Tucker Trawl 08 Double 1X2m Neuston 09 1m** 2 Mocness 10 4m** 2 Mocness 11 60 cm o/ c Bongo 0.60 12 20 cm o/ c Bongo 0.20 13 60 cm BNF1 0.61 14 70 cm Bongo 0.70 06 Other/ Unknown MESH_ CODE Plankton net mesh size code. Valid values are:

01 .303m 02 .999m 03 .333m 04 .253m 05 .505m 06 UNKNOWN 09 .946m 10 .363m 11 .153m 12 .202m 13 .760m 14 .064m 15 .100m START_ TIME Time in hrs, min, sec ( HHMMSS) that the plankton gear began fishing.

END_ TIME Time in hrs, min, sec ( HHMMSS) that the plankton gear stopped fishing.

START_ FLOW Starting flow meter reading.

END_ FLOW Ending flow meter reading. MIN_ DEPTH Minimum tow depth in meters.

MAX_ DEPTH Maximum tow depth in meters.

VOL_ FILT Volume of water in cubic meters filtered through the plankton net.

ROTOR Constant valued from the flow meter manufacture used to convert flow meter counts to distance.

NO_ EGGS Number of fish eggs removed from the sample.

EGGS_ ALIQU Size of sample aliquot eggs were removed from. Valid Values are:

1/ 1 1/ 2 1/ 4 1/ 8 ICHSARWK Database File Structure Field Name Type Wid Dec Range/ Table Req Units 1 CRUISE_ NO Char 3 * 2 VESSEL Char 2 VESSELS * 3 P_ STA_ NO Char 5 * 4 SAMPLE_ NO Char 5 * 5 SAMP_ STAT Char 1 SMPLSTAT 6 DATA_ CODE Char 2 DATACODE * 7 CATALOG_ NO Char 13 8 TAXONOMIC Char 13 BIOCODE * 9 BIOCODE Num 9 BIOCODE * 10 LIFE_ STAGE Char 1 LIFESTA 11 MEAS Num 4 x >= 0 * 12 NOT_ MEAS Num 4 x >= 0 13 SAMP_ DATE Date 8 * mm/ dd/ yy 14 VOL_ DISP Num 3 x >= 0 milliliters 15 ALIQUOT Char 3 1/ 1,1/ 2,1/ 4,1/ 8 16 STATUS Char 2 STATUS 17 COMMENT Char 75 18 SASBIOCODE Char 12 19 SASTAXON Char 50 20 TIMES Char 2 21 UP_ YEAR Char 4 22 UP_ DATE Char 10 23 UP_ ACTION Char 1 24 UP_ ID Char 3 25 UP_ TYPE Char 15 26 UP_ PREDATE Char 1 Explanation of ICHSARWK Variables CRUISE_ NO 3 character cruise code.

VESSEL 2 character vessel code. See explanantion of STATCARD variables for valid values.

P_ STA_ NO 5 character code designating the Pascagoula station number.

SAMPLE_ NO 5 characer code designating the SEAMAP plankton sample number. This is a unique identifier for each sample.

SAMP_ STAT Sample status sorting code. Valid values are:

0 Unknown 1 Sorted with fish caught 2 Sorted with no fish caught 3 Sample lost or broken 4 Sample sorted for only selected taxa 5 Sample sent to Gulf Coast Research Lab 6 Sample sent to Miami Laboratory 7 Sample sent to Panama City Laboratory 8 Sample used for student thesis 9 Sample number assigned no sample taken A Bongo/ Neuston paired status * Non Quantitative DATA_ CODE Equivalent to DATA_ CODE in the STATCARD database file.

CATALOG_ NO 13 character field containing the SEAMAP archive serial number.

TAXONOMIC 13 character field containg the abbreviated SEAMAP taxonomic code. At the species level the 1st 7 character refer to the genus and the last 6 characters refer to the species. At taxonomic levels greater than species the whole field is used to identify a taxon.

BIOCODE 9 digit numeric code for a taxon.

LIFE_ STAGE Life stage of a taxon. Currently not used for fish larvae. Valid values are:

1 ZOEAE 2 MEGALOPAE 3 POSTLARVAE 4 JUVENILE MEAS Number of fish larvae measured for a specific CATALOG_ NO.

NOT_ MEAS Number of fish larvae not measured for a specific CATALOG_ NO.

SAMP_ DATE Date sample ( SAMPLE_ NO) was taken in MM/ DD/ YY format.

VOL_ DISP Wet displacement volume in milliliter/ cubic centimeters of entire plankton sample.

ALIQUOT Size of sample aliquot from which fish larvae were sorted. Valid values are:

1/ 1 1/ 2 1/ 4 1/ 8 STATUS Taxonomic identification status code. Valid values are:

00 Normal condition. No examination of or changes in sample have been made. 01 Specimen( s) lost. 02 Specimen( s) destroyed. 03 Specimen( s) cleared and stained. 04 Specimen( s) dessicated, but not destroyed. 05 Specimen( s) sectioned. 06 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID positive to genus level. 07 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID positive to species level. 08 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID uncertain. 09 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; see DCOMM( yr). 10 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; disagreement on correct ID among loan users; see DCOMM( yr). 11 Orig ID confirmed. 12 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID positive to family level. 13 ID change. Orig ID incorrect; new ID positive to order level. 14 Specimen( s) on permanent or long term loan.

COMMENT Short comment documenting issues at the CATALOG_ NO level.

SASBIOCODE, SASTAXON, TIMES, UP_ YEAR, UP_ DATE, UP_ ACTION, UP_ ID, UP_ TYPE, UP_ PREDATE Variables added to the structure to allow for tracking updates to the SEAMAP ichthyoplankton databases by the data management team. They are not documented for the original SEAMAP system.

SECTION II Within Table Relationships STATCARD The STATCARD database contains individual records for each station at which sampling occurred, including stations at which gear other than plankton gears were used. Each unique record in the database is defined by the combination of the VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO variables. Only the combination of all three variables will define a unique station.

ICHSTRWK The ICHSTRWK database contains individual records for each plankton sample number ( SAMPLE_ NO) taken at a station. The database therefore contains 1 record for each sample number. However, there may be multiple samples ( SAMPLE_ NO) for each combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO.

ICHSARWK The ICHSARWK database contains at least one record for each sample number ( SAMPLE_ NO) in the ICHSTRWK. Within the ICHSARWK database the combination of the VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPEL_ NO + CATALOG_ NO define a unique record. Samples with a sample status ( SAMP_ STAT) equal to 0, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 contain a single record. These records are place holders that indicate the disposition of samples taken under the SEAMAP umbrella. Samples with a sample status equal to 1, 4 or * may have multiple records associated with a sample number. Only, records with a sample status of 1, 4, and * will have information pertaining to specific taxon. Records with a sample status of 1 or 2 are the only samples that should be used for quantitative analysis and summaries. A sample status of 1 indicates the sample was shorted for all fish larvae, and a status of 2 indicates a valid sample with no fish larvae. The taxonomic ( TAXONOMIC) and/ or biocode ( BIOCODE) variables do not define a unique record, and multiple entries for a specific taxon may be valid for multiple catalog numbers under a single sample number.

Among Table Relationships The STATCARD, ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK databases are relational, and information in them follows a hierarchical progression. In regards to ichthyoplankton data, the statcard with its location information is at the station level, the ICHSTRWK is at the level individual samples collected at a station, while the ICHSTRWK contains information on the individual fish larvae taken in the samples. In order to link to information contain in each of the separate databases the following relationships can be used.

Information between the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK can be linked ( merged) by setting a relationship between the unique combination of the VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO variables.

Information between the ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK can be linked ( merged) by setting a relationship between the unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO variables.

Information may also be linked by setting relationships between any of the variables common among the 3 databases. Suggestions for how to link ( merge) the databases for quantitative analysis can be found in the next section.

SECTION III Suggestions for Quantitative Analysis This section is written for user wishing to use the SEAMAP ichthyoplankton databases to develop quantitative analyses and summaries. The focus will be on utilizing the standard SEAMAP bongo and neuston collections to determine abundance estimates for eggs, displacement volume, total fish larvae and larvae of specific taxon. It assumes that users will wish to select data from specific geographic areas.

Ichthyoplankton samples have been collected during fisheryindependent resource surveys in the Gulf of Mexico ( GOM) since 1982 under the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program ( SEAMAP). Surveys are conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service in cooperation with the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The SEAMAP samples compose a majority of the data in the ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK databases.

Most but not all SEAMAP, standard plankton stations ( bnumbers) are located at 30 mile or ½ degree (~ 56 km) intervals in a fixed, systematic grid across the GOM ( Figure 1), although, only every other N S transect of stations is sampled during spring surveys and during fall plankton surveys in 1988 1991. Summer and Fall SEAMAP sampling is conducted at bnumbers over the continental shelf, and Spring sampling in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Occasionally during surveys, samples are taken at nonstandard locations or stations are moved to avoid navigational hazards. Samples are taken upon arrival on station regardless of time of day. At each station either a bongo and/ or neuston tow are made depending on the specific survey.

Standard SEAMAP survey plankton sampling is conducted with 61 cm bongo nets and/ or single or double 1x2 meter neuston net. The 61 cm bongo net is fitted with 0.333 ( 0.335) micron mesh nets. Bongo nets are fished in an oblique tow path from the surface to a maximum depth of 200 m or to 2 5 m off the bottom at depths less than 200 m. A mechanical flowmeter is mounted off center in the mouth of each bongo net to record the volume of water filtered. Volume filtered ranges from ~ 20 to 600 m3 but is typically 30 to 40 m3 at the shallowest stations and 300 to 400 m3 at the deepest stations. Typically, abundance for eggs, displacement volume and fish larvae are expresses as the number or volume under 10 m2 of sea surface. Alternately, abundance may be expresses as the number or volume per volume of seawater filtered through the net. However, per volume of seawater estimates are integrated over the entire depth range. Neuston nets are fitted with 0.947 ( 0.950) 1 mm mesh net. The neuston gear is towed at the surface with its frame half submerged for 10 minutes. Data are only available for fish larvae. Abundance estimates of fish larvae are expressed as the number per 10 minute tow. Non standard gear and mesh sizes have been used to collect plankton samples and are coded as such in the database.

In order arrive at these abundance estimates it will be necessary to utilize data from all of the STATCARD, ICHSTRWK and ICHSARWK databases. This is necessary since the databases are optimized for efficient storage not data analysis and summary. For instance, examining the basic database structures outlined above we can see position information is located in the STATCARD; information of the gear used and effort are located in the ICHSTRWK; and variables necessary to enumerate larvae of individual taxon and sample status are located in the ICHSARWK. Therefore, in order to determine abundance estimates of fish larvae for a specific gear and mesh combination within a given geographic area requires the building of a dataset that contains all the necessary variables from all three databases. The rest of this document will deal with the specifics of arriving at these estimates for the standard SEAMAP samples. Each section covers a different topic. Putting all the variables needed to do quantitative analysis into a singe dataset.

Since most personal computers have the storage and memory requirement to handle large amounts of data, start by merging the three separate databases into a single database/ dataset that can be further manipulated. The following steps outline suggested concepts necessary to do this:

1. Add a new numeric variable to the STATCARD database called STAREC ( statcard record) and set it equal to 1 for all records.

2. Add a new numeric variable to the ICHSTRWK database called ISTREC ( ichstrwk record) and set it equal to 1 for all records.

3. Add a new numeric variable to the ICHSARWK file called ISAREC ( ichsarwk record) and set it equal to 1 for all records.

4. Sort/ index the STATCARD file on VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO 5. Sort/ index the ICHSTRWK file on VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO 6. Sort/ index the ICHSARWK file on VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO.

7. Merge/ combine the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK files by setting a relationship/ link between the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK databases on VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO.

8. Sort/ index the combined STATCARD/ ICHSTRWK file on VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO.

9. Next, merge/ combine the newly combined STATCARD/ ICHSTRWK database/ dataset with the ICHSARWK database by setting a relationship/ link between the combined STATCARD/ ICHSTRWK and the ICHSARWK database on VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO.

9. Keep only the records in the final database/ dataset where The variables STAREC = 1 and ISTREC = 1 and ISAREC = 1. The final database/ dataset should have as many records as were found in the original ICHSARWK database. The final dataset should now contain the STATCARD and ICHSTRWK information for each record in the ICHSARWK database.

Filtering data by geographic area.

The SEAMAP BNumbers ( Figure 1) represent the systematic sampling grid design of the SEAMAP surveys. The bnumbers when recorded are found in the SEAMAP Station Number Field ( S_ STA_ NO). Unfortunately, the bnumbers are not consistently recorded for all cruises, nor are they recorded in a consistent manner in the S_ STA_ NO variable. For example, bnumber B001 may appear in the database as B1, B01, B001, B 001 etc.. Therefore, filtering data by geographic area is best done by longitude and latitude. Figure 1 can be used to find the approximate area a bnumber represents. It is easiest to work in decimals degree. Using the combined database created earlier or with the STATCARD database, decimal longitude and latitude can be calculated as follows ( make sure to include parentheses in the formula):

Decimal Longitude:

( ( S_ LOND + ( S_ LONM / 60 ) ) *  1 )

Decimal Lattitude:

( S_ LATD + ( S_ LATM / 60 ) )

Filtering Data by Gear and Sampling Status The beginning of this section outlines the SEAMAP sampling design and the standard bongo and neuston net sampling gears. The primary difference between the two gears is that the bongo gear can give estimates of abundance for eggs, displacement volume, total fish larvae and individual taxonomic categories, while the neuston gear only provides data on fish larvae and individual taxonomic categories. However, egg and displacement volume may not be available for all bongo samples. Bongo net samples as noted above are towed in an oblique pattern from the surface to near bottom and then back to the surface. Therefore abundance estimates based on volume or surface area, for a sample are intergraded over the water column. Nueston net samples are only collected from the surface half meter of the water column and are effort bases on time.

Valid quantitative SEAMAP samples can be filter out of the combined STATCARD/ ICHSTRWK/ ICHSARWK data set by selecting only records where:

For Standard SEAMAP Bongo Net Tows:

( GEAR_ CODE = " 01" and MESH_ CODE = " 03") and ( SAMP_ STAT = " 1" or SAMP_ STAT = " 2")

I. E, give me only samples where gear = 61 cm bongo with a mesh size of .333 with a sorting status of sorted with fish larvae found or sorted with no larvae.

For Standard SEAMAP Neuston Net Tows:

( ( ( GEAR_ CODE = " 03" or GEAR_ CODE = " 08") and MESH_ CODE = ` 09' ) and ( SAMP_ STAT = ` 1' or SAMP_ STAT = ` 2')

I. E, give me only samples collected where gear = a single or double neuston net sample with a mesh size of .947 with a sorting status of sorted with fish larvae found or sorted with no larvae.  98  97  96  95  94  93  92  91  90  89  88  87  86  85  84  83  82  81  80 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 B001 B002 B003 B004 B005 B006 B007 B008 B009 B010 B011 B012 B013 B014 B015 B016 B017 B018 B019 B020 B021 B022 B023 B024 B025 B026 B027 B028 B029 B030 B031 B032 B033 B034 B035 B036 B037 B038 B039 B040 B041 B042 B043 B044 B045 B046 B047 B048 B049 B050 B051 B052 B053 B054 B055 B056 B057 B058 B059 B060 B061 B062 B063 B064 B065 B066 B067 B068 B069 B070 B071 B072 B073 B074 B075 B076 B077 B078 B079 B080 B081 B082 B083 B084 B085 B086 B087 B088 B089 B090 B091 B092 B093 B094 B095 B096 B097 B098 B099 B100 B101 B102 B103 B104 B105 B106 B107 B108 B109 B110 B111 B112 B113 B114 B115 B116 B117 B118 B119 B120 B121 B122 B123 B124 B125 B126 B127 B128 B129 B130 B131 B132 B133 B134 B135 B136 B137 B138 B139 B140 B141 B142 B143 B144 B145 B146 B147 B148 B149 B150 B151 B152 B153 B154 B155 B156 B157 B158 B159 B160 B161 B162 B163 B164 B165 B166 B167 B168 B169 B170 B171 B172 B173 B174 B175 B176 B177 B178 B179 B180 B181 B182 B183 B184 B185 B186 B187 B188 B189 B190 B191 B192 B193 B194 B195 B196 B197 B198 B199 B200 B201 B202 B203 B204 B205 B206 B207 B208 B209 B210 B211 B212 B213 B214 B215 B216 B217 B218 B219 B220 B221 B222 B223 B224 B225 B226 B227 B228 B229 B230 B231 B232 B233 B234 B235 B236 B237 B238 B239 B240 B241 B242 B243 B244 B245 B246 B247 B248 B249 B250 B251 B252 B253 B254 B255 B256 B257 B258 B259 B260 B261 B262 B263 B264 B265 B266 B267 B268 B269 B270 B271 B272 B273 B274 B275 B276 B277 B278 B279 B280 B281 B282 B283 B284 B285 B286 B287 B288 B289 B290 B291 B292 B293 B294 B295 B296 B297 B298 B299 B300 B301 B302 B303 B304 B305 B306 B307 B308 B309 B310 B311 B312 B313 B314 B315 B316 B317 B318 B319 B320 B321 B322 B323 B324 B325 B326 B327 B328 B329 A165 A160 Figure 1. Gulfwide distribution of SEAMAP BNumbers. A merged dataset is necessary since the GEAR_ CODE and MESH_ CODE variables are taken from the ICHSTRWK database and the SAMP_ STAT variable from the ICHSARWK database.

The majority of the database has only a data for only a single bongo or neuston sample taken at each station. In some cases both samples from a paired gear ( bongo or double neuston) may have data from both samples taken at a station. These samples can be considered as replicates. In addition, some stations may have multiple bongo or nueston tows at the same station. Currently, the database does not code for paired samples or multiple samples taken at a station.

Estimating Abundance of Fish Larvae from Bongo Net Samples.

As noted above, abundance estimates of fish larvae can be volume or surface area based. Additionally, estimates of fish larvae can be based on all fish larvae in a sample ( total fish larvae), or based on individual taxonomic categories. This section will outline the necessary calculation and concepts necessary to properly enumerate total fish larvae and fish larvae by taxonomic category.

At this point, we will assume that our combined dataset created at the beginning of this section has been pre filtered by geographic area and contains only records for valid ( SAMP_ STAT = 1 or 2) bongo ( GEAR_ CODE = ` 01' and MESH_ CODE = ` 03') samples. The dataset should contain a single record for each unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO. Unique combinations of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO for samples with a SAMP_ STAT = 2 in the dataset will have a empty CATALOG_ NO variable, and will have only a single record in the dataset. As the only record, the blank CATALOG_ NO field is unique for that SAMPLE_ NO. Unique combinations of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO with a SAMP_ STAT = 1 will have a unique CATALOG_ NO for each record, and will have one record for each unique CATALOG_ NO for a unique SAMPLE_ NO. Therefore, there are 1 or more records for SAMPLE_ NOs with a SAMP_ STAT = 1. However, there may be several unique CATALOG_ NOs in a sample with the same TAXONOMIC category. Figure 2 shows a hypothetical minimum dataset for 3 unique SAMPLE_ NOs for 2 samples with a SAMP_ STAT = 2 and single SAMPLE_ NO with a SAMP_ STAT = 1.

The minimum variable set necessary to calculate the number of larvae under 10 m2 for each unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO is MEAS, NOT_ MEAS, ALIQUOT, VOL_ FILT and MAX_ DEPTH. The minimum variable set necessary to calculate the number of larvae per m3 is MEAS, NOT_ MEAS, ALIQUOT, VOL_ FILT. However, several changes to the dataset are needed prior to calculating these values due to the way the data is stored in the original databases:

1. In some instances the numeric MEAS and NOT_ MEAS fields are blank ( null) or may contain  9 ( also considered a null value). In these cases, the blanks and  9 must be set to a value of 0 ( zero). For example, if MEAS =  9 then MEAS = 0 or if MEAS = NULL ( database dependent) then MEAS = 0, and likewise for NOT_ MEAS.

2. ALIQUOT in the database is a character variable with valid values of ALIQUOT = " 1/ 1", " 1/ 2", " 1/ 4" or " 1/ 8". SAMPLE_ NOs with a SAMP_ STAT = ` 1' will have one of the valid values. SAMPLE_ NOs with a SAMP_ STAT = ` 2' may have a valid value or be left blank. In order to properly calculate the larvae/ 10 m2 or larvae/ 10 m3 values, a numeric variable to be used as an ALIQUOT multiplier will be necessary. The multiplier is the reciprocal of the fraction represented in the ALIQUOT variable, i. e. " 1/ 2" = 2. This step is necessary in order to account for sub sampling by aliquoting. For SAMPLE_ NOs with a SAMP_ STAT = ` 2' the aliquot multiplier is 1. The new variable can be created with the following logic:

If ALIQUOT = " 1/ 1" then MULTIPLIER = 1 If ALIQUOT = " 1/ 2" then MULTIPLIER = 2 If ALIQUOT = " 1/ 4" then MULTIPLIER = 4 If ALIQUOT = " 1/ 8" then MULTIPLIER = 8 If SAMP_ STAT = ` 2' then MULTIPLIER = 1 Figure 3 shows the modifications to the pertinent variables for the sample numbers in our hypothetical dataset from Figure 2.

Once these modifications have taken place it is possible to calculate larvae/ 10 m2 or larvae/ 10 m3 for each unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO ( Figure 4). The formula for larvae/ 10 m2 is:

(( MEAS + NOT_ MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) * (( MAX_ DEPTH/ VOL_ FILT) * 10)

where:

(( MEAS + NOT_ MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) = Extrapolated total number of fish larvae for unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO (( MAX_ DEPTH/ VOL_ FILT) * 10) = The standard haul factor for a unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO Note: The 10 in the standard haul factor can be changed to any multiplier. For example, 100 which will result in larvae/ 100 m2.

The formula for larvae/ m3 is:

(( MEAS + NOT_ MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) / ( VOL_ FILT)

where:

(( MEAS + NOT_ MEAS) * MULTIPLIER) = Extrapolated total number of fish larvae for a unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO Figure 2. Hypothetical minimum dataset showing data for three unique sample numbers from a cruise.

VESSEL CRUISE_ NO P_ STA_ NO SAMPLE_ NO SAMP_ STAT VOL_ FILT MAX_ DEPTH CATALOG_ NO TAXONOMIC MEAS NOT_ MEAS ALIQUOT 4 145 41077 3115 2 100 100 4 145 41078 3116 2 200 200  9  9 1/ 1 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20218 000 BOTHIDAE 2  9 1/ 2 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20603 001 DECAPTEPUNCTA 2  9 1/ 2 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML21163 000 GOBIIDAE 2 13 1/ 2 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML21892 001 SCOMBERCAVALL 1  9 1/ 2 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20329 000 SYACIUM 2 7 1/ 2 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML20867 000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 10 0 1/ 2 4 145 41079 3117 1 100 50 SML22236 000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 5 0 1/ 2 Figure 3. Modifications to the pertinent variables for the sample numbers in our hypothetical dataset from Figure 2. VESSEL CRUISE and P_ STA_ NO not shown.

SAMPLE_ NO SAMP_ STAT VOL_ FILT MAX_ DEPTH CATALOG_ NO TAXONOMIC MEAS NOT_ MEAS ALIQUOT MULTIPLIER 3115 2 100 100 0 0 1 3116 2 200 200 0 0 1/ 1 1 3117 1 100 50 SML20218 000 BOTHIDAE 2 0 1/ 2 2 3117 1 100 50 SML20603 001 DECAPTEPUNCTA 2 0 1/ 2 2 3117 1 100 50 SML21163 000 GOBIIDAE 2 13 1/ 2 2 3117 1 100 50 SML21892 001 SCOMBERCAVALL 1 0 1/ 2 2 3117 1 100 50 SML20329 000 SYACIUM 2 7 1/ 2 2 3117 1 100 50 SML20867 000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 10 0 1/ 2 2 3117 1 100 50 SML22236 000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 5 0 1/ 2 2 Figure 4. Calculated larvae/ 10 m2 and larvae / m3 for each unique VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO +

SAMPLE_ NO + CATALOG_ NO for our hypothetical dataset from Figure 3.

SAMPLE_ NO SAMP_ STAT VOL_ FILT MAX_ DEPTH CATALOG_ NO TAXONOMIC MEAS NOT_ MEAS ALIQUOT MULTIPLIER TOTAL FISH SHF LARVAE LARVAE LARVAE 10 SQR METER CUBIC METER 3115 2 100 100 0 0 1 0 10 0 0 3116 2 200 200 0 0 1/ 1 1 0 10 0 0 3117 1 100 50 SML20218 000 BOTHIDAE 2 0 1/ 2 2 4 5 20 0.04 3117 1 100 50 SML20603 001 DECAPTEPUNCTA 2 0 1/ 2 2 4 5 20 0.04 3117 1 100 50 SML21163 000 GOBIIDAE 2 13 1/ 2 2 30 5 150 0.3 3117 1 100 50 SML21892 001 SCOMBERCAVALL 1 0 1/ 2 2 2 5 10 0.02 3117 1 100 50 SML20329 000 SYACIUM 2 7 1/ 2 2 18 5 90 0.18 3117 1 100 50 SML20867 000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 10 0 1/ 2 2 20 5 100 0.2 3117 1 100 50 SML22236 000 LUTJANUCAMPEC 5 0 1/ 2 2 10 5 50 0.1 VOL_ FILT = Volume of water filtered for a unique combination of VESSEL + CRUISE_ NO + P_ STA_ NO + SAMPLE_ NO in cubic meters Sorry this is an ongoing process and I have been redirected to another project. Please contact me as below for further details.

David S. Hanisko Research Fisheries Biologist National Marine Fisheries Service Pascagoula Laboratory 3209 Frederic St. Pascagoula MS, 39568 Voice: 228 762 4591 x204 Fax: 228 769 9200 David. S. Hanisko@ noaa. gov or David. S. Hanisko. atsea@ noaa. gov