Dataset of macrobenthic species in urban coastal reef environments in Brazilian northeast.

Daniel Leite,George Miranda,Natan Freitas,Edson Vasconcelos,Pablo Riul

doi:10.1016/j.dib.2020.105773

Daniel Leite, George Miranda + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2020.105773

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Abstract

This dataset presents the macrobenthic species occurrence frequency in four coastal intertidal reefs environment of Paraiba state Brazil. The species were classified in bioindicators groups based in morpho-anatomical, physiological and ecological characteristics. In the dry and wet season in each reef, the sampling units were randomly positioned and photographed inside a circular area with a 10 m radius. Thirty points were plotted over photos to quantify the percentage of species occurrence frequency. Taxons hard to identify by photo were grouped in a unique category. Currently, macrobenthic species are used as bioindicators of the local state of conservation by managing agencies. The population ecology monitoring of macrobenthic species with bioindicator potential is useful to recognize seasonal environmental patterns or local anthropic impactful. The research article on these data [1] will be published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management for some interpretive insights. Title: Evaluation of the conservation status and monitoring proposal for the coastal reefs of Paraíba, Brazil: bioindication as an environmental management tool.

Highlights

Dataset of macrobenthic species in urban coastal reef environments in Brazilian northeast Daniel Leite a,∗, Edson Vasconcelos b, Pablo Riul c, Natan Freitas d, George Miranda c,∗
Thirty points were plotted over photos to quantify the percentage of species occurrence frequency
Thirty random points were plotted in the images using the program Coral Point Count with Excel extensions (CPCe) to quantify the coverage percentage of the adopted taxonomic categories

Summary

Data accessibility

Environmental Science Use of community data for bioindication of conservation status. Title: Evaluation of the conservation status and monitoring proposal for the coastal reefs of Paraíba, Brazil: bioindication as an environmental management tool. The dataset is useful for public management agencies and managers of protected areas, being interesting for the evaluation and monitoring of conservation status, which can be applicable in other reef environments in accordance with the classification system used. As this framework allows rapid assessment of reef conditions, it may stimulate the production of comparable information regarding the conservation status of these environments worldwide and it can be useful for the development of studies in marine macroecology. The data provides diagnosis of environmental quality, allowing better decision making by competent authorities and providing subsides for the management of these environments, aiming at the long-term maintenance of environmental quality and ecosystem services

Data Description

Study area

Sample processing and analysis