SPC CoFish Invertebrates Observations Niue 2005

Study Extent

Niue island

Sampling

Diversity and abundance of invertebrate species were determined using a range of survey techniques, including broad-scale assessment (using the manta-tow technique) and finer-scale assessment of specific reef and benthic habitats. Broad-scale assessments were used to record large sedentary invertebrates; transects were 300 m long × 2 m wide, across inshore, midshore and more exposed oceanic habitats. Fine-scale assessments were conducted in target areas (areas with naturally higher abundance and/or the most suitable habitat) to specifically describe resource status. Fine-scale assessments were conducted of both reef (hard-bottom) and sandy (soft-bottom) areas to assess the range, size, and condition of invertebrate species present and to determine the nature and condition of the habitat with greater accuracy. These assessments were conducted using 40 m transects (1 m wide swathe, six replicates per station) recording most epi-benthic resources (those living on the bottom) and potential indicator species. For trochus and bêche-de-mer fisheries, searches to assess aggregations were made in the surf zone along exposed reef edges. On occasion, when time and conditions allowed, dives to 25–35 m were made to determine the availability of deeper-water sea cucumber populations. Night searches were conducted on inshore reefs to assess nocturnal sea cucumber species See http://purl.org/spc/digilib/doc/pfj5w

Method steps

1. Multiple observations for the same species aggregated by replicate. For replicates with a start and end positions (manta tow), the position provided is the middle point.

1. Actinopyga mauritiana
2. Actinopyga palauensis
3. Bohadschia argus
4. Echinometra mathaei
5. Echinometra oblonga
6. Echinostrephus sp.
7. Echinothrix calamaris
8. Echinothrix diadema
9. Heterocentrotus mamillatus
10. Holothuria atra
11. Holothuria nobilis
12. Lambis truncata
13. Mancinella armigera
14. Monetaria caputserpentis
15. Octopus sp.
16. Siphonaria sirius
17. Talparia talpa
18. Thelenota ananas
19. Thylacodes colubrinus
20. Tridacna maxima

Niue Island