Data collection is carried out on 5 stations located around the island and with different ecosystem characteristics (2 stations located in the lagoon on the west coast, one on the outer slope of the reef in the south of the island and the last two on coral islets on the east coast).

Data is collected in January, April, June and November on each station (only in November for the benthos). Physical variables (date, time, tide, temperature, depth) are also collected.

The method used to sample the biological communities at these stations was chosen so that regional and global databases could be integrated. It is the underwater visual census (UVC) method, which is classically used in reef environments and recognised worldwide by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN). It is based on the setting up of permanent stations, tagged by the installation of metal stakes in the substrate. A 60 m graduated ribbon (3 repetitions of 20 m) is stretched between these stakes and counts of benthic communities and fish populations are carried out along this axis (with 2.5 m on either side and the height of the water column for fish).

For benthos, data collected every 25 cm along the three replicates (241 points) are substrate as well as substrate coverage in terms of shape, coral genus (since January 2020) and algae species.

For fishes, 16 distinct families* are recorded (identification by species since January 2020). These 16 families were selected for their representativeness of their trophic role in the ecosystem. During a fish transect, the species, the number of individuals observed and their size are noted.

We collect and record this data so that it can be easily shared with other research organisations or centers that may need it. Please contact us if this is your case.

* Recorded families: Pomacanthidae, Balistidea, Scombridae, Lethrinidae, Carangidae, Acanthuridae, Caesionidae, Haemulidae, Serranidae, Chaetodontidae, Scaridae, Siganidae, Dasyatidae, Carcharhinidae, Kyphosidae, Lutjanidae