Abstract:

This dataset includes a mesophotic coral habitat suitability index created using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model for the associated publication Silva & MacDonald (2017). Within the dataset, a list of environmental data inputs, coral presence data, model validation data, MaxEnt model run data, and MaxEnt output raster data are included that indicates the probability of finding mesophotic coral for all species in the area and individual species. This dataset supports the publication: Silva, M., & MacDonald, I. (2017). Habitat suitability modeling for mesophotic coral in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 583, 121–136. doi:10.3354/meps12336

Suggested Citation:

Silva-Aguilara, Mauricio and Ian MacDonald. 2022. Dataset for: Habitat suitability modeling for mesophotic coral in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/n7-jtgq-6t05

Publications:

Silva, M., & MacDonald, I. (2017). Habitat suitability modeling for mesophotic coral in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 583, 121–136. doi:10.3354/meps12336

Purpose:

Characterize and quantify the habitat of octocorals and antipatharian corals.

Data Parameters and Units:

Mesophotic coral habitat suitability index rasters are contained in each model directory as *.asc files, *.asc, Mesophotic coral habitat suitability index, (probability of finding mesophotic coral).

Methods:

Input environmental data used to create the models are publicly available and is included in the dataset (Table 1 GridC.pdf) and can be downloaded to reproduce results. The coral habitat suitability model data was compiled within the extent of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) bathymetric mapping program and includes the areas of Pinnacle Trend located between Mississippi and Alabama, the Head of Desoto Canyon, and The West Florida Shelf. Coral presence data was compiled from the ‘Mississippi-Alabama Pinnacle Trend Ecosystem Monitoring’ (MAPTEM) program and records from a survey expedition completed in 2014 (2014 Natural Resource Damage Assessment [NRDA] Mesophotic Expedition) which is included in the dataset.

Individual Files: