North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Gary S. Drew (ORCID: 0000-0002-6789-0891)
Originator: Sarah K. Schoen (ORCID: 0000-0002-5685-5185)
Originator: Marla D. Hood (ORCID: 0000-0002-1595-9455)
Originator: Mayumi L. Arimitsu (ORCID: 0000-0001-6982-2238)
Originator: John F. Piatt (ORCID: 0000-0002-4417-5748)
Publication_Date: 20050811
Title: North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Series_Information:

Series_Name: North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)
Issue_Identification: ver 4.0, January 2023

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, AK
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

Suggested Citation: Drew, G.S., Schoen, S.K., Hood, M.D., Arimitsu, M.L., Piatt, J.F., 2005, North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) (ver 4.0, January 2023): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7WQ01T3

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7WQ01T3
Larger_Work_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center
Publication_Date: 2002
Title: Seabirds and Forage Fish Ecology Program
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: website
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Alaska Science Portal
Issue_Identification: 11

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Other_Citation_Details:

This is a link to the broader USGS Alaska Science Center research project supported by these data. Users will find a description of the research project and links to associated reports, publications, and data products.

Online_Linkage: https://alaska.usgs.gov/portal/project.php?project_id=11

Description:

Abstract:

The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) is maintained by the USGS Alaska Science Center and includes survey transect data designed and conducted by numerous partners primarily to census seabirds at sea. The data provided here relate to observations of marine birds and mammals observed during at-sea surveys throughout the North Pacific including the Arctic Ocean, Beufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, Sea of Okhotsk, and Barents Sea. Tables include observation data, survey locations, and taxonomic designations of observed birds and mammals.

Purpose:

To provide information on the presence/absence, total numbers and densities, and spatial and temporal distribution of seabirds and marine mammals across the North Pacific Ocean. We have additional information from the equatorial Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean.

Supplemental_Information:

The North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD) was created in 2005 to consolidate data on the oceanic distribution of marine bird species in the North Pacific. Most of these data were collected using at-sea strip-transect surveys within defined areas and at known locations. The NPPSD also contains observations of other bird species and marine mammals. The original NPPSD combined data from 465 surveys conducted between 1973 and 2002, primarily in waters adjacent to Alaska. These surveys included 61,195 sample transects with location, environment, and metadata information, and the data were organized in a flat-file format. In revising the NPPSD (2.0), our goals were to add new datasets, to make significant improvements to database functionality and to provide the database online. The NPPSD 2.0 included data from a broadened geographic range within the North Pacific, including new observations made offshore of the Russian Federation, Japan, Korea, British Columbia (Canada), Oregon, and California. These data were imported into a relational database, proofed, and structured in a common format. The NPPSD 2.0 contained 351,674 samples (transect segments) collected between 1973 and 2012, representing a total sampled area of 270,259 square kilometers, and extends the time series of samples in some areas-notably the Bering Sea-to four decades. It contained observations of 16,988,138 birds and 235,545 marine mammals. The third edition of the NPPSD corrected several data duplication errors, updated the taxonomy to the current standard, and added additional data collected since 2012. The NPPSD 3.0 included 460,2985 transect segments; a 30% increase in the number of transects. It contains observations of 20,098,635 birds and 365,227 marine mammals. In the fourth edition of the NPPSD, we re-engineered the data from an MS Access database into MS SQL Server. This corrects database duplication by remodeling its structure, which streamlines existing redundancies. Efficiencies are realized in a several tables, such as contributors, species, and behaviors. The NPPSD version 4.0 contains 489,557 transect segments collected over the span of 50 years (from 1973 to 2022) and includes observations of 20,948,570 birds of 252 species and 391,551 mammals of 41 species. Additional details of updates to the NPPSD are provided in the versionHistory.txt file included with this data package.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 1973
Ending_Date: 2022

Currentness_Reference: observed

Status:

Progress: In work
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Description_of_Geographic_Extent:

North Pacific, Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, Beaufort Sea, Arctic Ocean, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, and Barents Sea

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: 33.53
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -104.97
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 88.45
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 0.00

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Metadata Identifier
Theme_Keyword: USGS:ASC29

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
Theme_Keyword: Biota
Theme_Keyword: Environment

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: NASA GCMD Earth Science Keyword Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Birds
Theme_Keyword: Albatross and Allies
Theme_Keyword: Ducks/Geese/Swans
Theme_Keyword: Eagles/Falcons/Hawks and Allies
Theme_Keyword: Grebes
Theme_Keyword: Loons
Theme_Keyword: Pelicans and Allies
Theme_Keyword: Sandpipers
Theme_Keyword: Waders/Gulls/Auks and Allies

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS CSA Biocomplexity Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Marine mammals
Theme_Keyword: Aquatic birds

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Thesaurus
Theme_Keyword: Marine biology
Theme_Keyword: Marine ecosystems
Theme_Keyword: Population dynamics

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: Marine bird
Theme_Keyword: Seabird
Theme_Keyword: Sea ducks

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
Place_Keyword: North Pacific
Place_Keyword: Alaska
Place_Keyword: Bering Sea
Place_Keyword: Chukchi Sea
Place_Keyword: Arctic Ocean

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: Beaufort Sea

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: NGA GEOnet Names Server
Place_Keyword: Sea of Japan
Place_Keyword: Sea of Okhotsk
Place_Keyword: Canada
Place_Keyword: Barents Sea

Taxonomy:

Keywords/Taxon:

Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Taxonomic_Keywords: Marine mammals
Taxonomic_Keywords: Seabirds
Taxonomic_Keywords: Sea ducks

Taxonomic_System:

Classification_System/Authority:

Classification_System_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: online database
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: ITIS-North America

Other_Citation_Details:

Taxonomic details retrieved December 15, 2022 from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System online database https://www.itis.gov

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.5066/F7KH0KBK

Classification_System_Modifications:

Over the 50 years represented by the NPPSD v4.0, some common and scientific names have undergone changes.

Classification_System/Authority:

Classification_System_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Clements, J.F.
Originator: Schulenberg, T.S.
Originator: Iliff, M.J.
Originator: Fredericks, T.A.
Originator: Gerbracht, J.A.
Originator: Lepage, D.
Originator: Billerman, S.M.
Originator: Sullivan, B.L.
Originator: Wood, C.L.
Publication_Date: 2022
Title: The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2022
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: online database
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Other_Citation_Details:

Clements, J.F., Schulenberg, T.S., Iliff, M.J., Fredericks, T.A., Gerbracht, J.A., Lepage, D., Billerman, S.M., Sullivan, B.L., Wood, C.L. 2022. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/

Online_Linkage: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/

Classification_System_Modifications:

Taxonomy within the class aves (birds) is provided in one data table, "SpeciesTaxonomy_NPPSDv4.csv". We follow the most current (as of December 2022) taxonomic designations of the eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2022 (which closely aligns with American Ornithological Society's (AOU) Checklist of North American Birds (7th edition, with updates through the 63rd supplement)).

Classification_System/Authority:

Classification_System_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Publication_Date: Unknown
Title: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: online database
Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Other_Citation_Details:

Taxonomic details retrieved December 15, 2022 from the National Marine Fisheries Service online database https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species

Online_Linkage: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-species

Classification_System_Modifications:

Some of the most recent changes to marine mammal taxonomy are not yet updated in ITIS but are current on the NMFS website.

Taxonomic_Procedures:

Species were identified by skilled observers in the field based on general size, shape, appearance of plumage (birds), behavior, and vocalization.

Taxonomic_Completeness:

Provided here is the classification of birds and mammals to the rank of Order. Further details of taxonomy are provided in the table "SpeciesTaxonomy_NPPSDv4.csv" included with this data package.

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subkingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Bilateria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infrakingdom
Taxon_Rank_Value: Deuterostomia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraphylum
Taxon_Rank_Value: Gnathostomata
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Superclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Tetrapoda
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Aves
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Accipitriformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 823961

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Anseriformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 174982

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Charadriiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 176445

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Coraciiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 178102

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Falconiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 175262

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Gaviiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 174466

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Gruiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 176147

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Passeriformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 178265

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Pelecaniformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 174670

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Phaethontiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 823962

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Podicipediformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 174476

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Procellariiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 174512

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Strigiformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 177848

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Suliformes
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 823960

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
Taxon_Rank_Value: Mammalia
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Subclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Theria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Infraclass
Taxon_Rank_Value: Eutheria
Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Carnivora
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 180539

Taxonomic_Classification:

Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
Taxon_Rank_Value: Cetacea
Applicable_Common_Name: TSN: 180403

Access_Constraints: None.
Use_Constraints:

It is requested that the authors and the USGS Alaska Science Center be cited for any subsequent publications that reference this dataset.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: Mailing and Physical
Address: 4210 University Drive
City: Anchorage
State_or_Province: Alaska
Postal_Code: 99508
Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 907-786-7000
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ascweb@usgs.gov

Data_Set_Credit:

Many people within multiple organizations contributed marine seabird data to the NPPSD ver4.0 database. A table containing data source information, such as Principal Investigator's name(s), year(s) of data collection, and data format are available with the download of this data release ("Dataset_Contributor_Information_NPPSDv4.csv").

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows 10, ESRI ArcGIS 10.8.2, Microsoft Access version 1902 Office 365, R version 4.2.2, Windows Server 2019, MS SQL Server 2016, Database name is NPPSD and size is 1.1GB

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Drew, G.S.
Originator: Piatt, J.F.
Originator: Renner, M.
Publication_Date: 2015
Title:

User’s Guide to the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database 2.0

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Open-File Report
Issue_Identification: 2015-1123

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Online
Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey

Other_Citation_Details:

Drew, G.S., Piatt, J.F., and Renner, M., 2015, User’s guide to the North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database 2.0: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2015-1123, 52 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151123

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20151123

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Arimitsu, M.L.
Originator: Piatt, J.F.
Originator: Thorson, J.T.
Originator: Kuletz, K.J.
Originator: Drew, G.
Originator: Schoen, S.K.
Originator: Cushing, D.
Originator: Kroeger, C.
Originator: Sydeman, W.J.
Publication_Date: 2023
Title: Joint Spatiotemporal Models to Predict Seabird Densities at Sea
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: publication
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Frontiers in Marine Science
Issue_Identification: TBA

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Online
Publisher: Frontiers Media

Other_Citation_Details:

Arimitsu, M.L., Piatt, J.F., Thorson, J.T., Kuletz, K.J., Drew, G., Schoen, S.K., Cushing, D., Kroeger, C., Sydeman, W.J., 2023, Joint spatiotemporal models to predict seabird densities at sea. Frontiers in Marine Science TBA doi:10.3389/fmars.2022.1078042

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1078042

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Field data collected by USGS (after 1993) were collected using a digital data recorder. Daily records were reviewed nightly to correct miss-transcriptions and reconcile data with handwritten notes. We had no way to determine the level of quality control applied to data sets contributed from other sources as they varied and were rarely documented. Once provided to us, contributed datasets were reviewed to check for attribute consistency and logic. When inconsistencies were found we contacted the contributor to resolve errors. Bias due to observers as well as attraction and avoidance of observing vessels was outside of our control. All surveys were conducted by trained observers. Data may be used to generate presence/absence, trends in and estimates of relative abundance and to examine patterns in temporal and spatial distribution, however, due to the opportunistic nature of the surveys, both in space and time, these data may not be sufficient to determine absolute abundance. Note that the species code list has been updated since version 3 of the NPPSD database. Over the 50 years represented by the NPPSD version 4, both common and scientific names have undergone some changes. Additionally, individual researchers commonly created their own unique codes for species. All of these were cross walked into a new consistent table.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

Although many of the variables do not have set limits, most have logical constraints, e.g. sea state must be numeric, between 0-12. Note that many of the data fields have blank (NA) values for various fields if no value was supplied by contributors. The taxonomic list was checked with lists of marine bird and mammal taxa for the North Pacific region. Unusual identifications were confirmed with the contributor.

Completeness_Report:

Few contributed surveys included all variables in the database; however, all survey data were required to have latitude, longitude, and species observations, and most transects contained sample area or some way to calculate sample area (e.g. transect width x transect length). If environmental data (e.g. sea state, weather) was provided it is in the database; blank (NA) values should be treated as missing.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Horizontal positions were collected using Loran-C (1974-1993) and GPS (1994-2022). Data collected using Loran-C was collected using NAD27 and were converted to WGS84. Consequently, there may be some variations in locational accuracy of Loran-C data during data shifting. Data collected after 1993 were assumed to have been collected using NAD83 or WGS84 and hence were not converted.

Each sample transect is located using a single point. Many of the early surveys (pre-1984) only recorded each transect's starting x- and y-coordinates. Most of the later surveys included both start and stop locations and transect locations are centroids. The field "loc_method" in the location table designates whether the start or the centroid of the sample transect was used for the observation location.

Lineage:

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

At-sea boat surveys of marine birds were completed using strip transects.

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

Aerial survey methodologies were only partially standardized. In general, aerial surveys were flown at 30-50 m and 75-100 kph depending on the aircraft. Transect widths varied between 50-150 m and all birds observed within that band were counted.

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Description:

The USGS and collaborators developed a robust data-logging application, SeaLog, to help facilitate the efficient collection of at-sea survey data. This program was designed to work with a data proofing and formatting tool, QA/QSea. More information can be found on the NPPSD webpage (https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/science/north-pacific-pelagic-seabird-database), and the application can be downloaded here: https://sealog.abrinc.com/pages/qaqsea.html.

Methodology:

Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Description:

Contributed survey data was staged in a relational database designed for ingestion of those data. The data were evaluated for completion, accuracy and field collection standards. Those data were then evaluated for steps needed to bring it to NPPSD standards for migration and integration into the master database. In version 4.0, steps included making sure transects were split into approximately 3.3 km segments, behaviors were standardized, location information was accurate, and scientific names were current. Most of the datasets that were added into version 4.0 were proofed and formatted using a data proofing application called QA/QSea. We developed this application with collaborators to facilitate the efficient integration of data into the NPPSD. More information can be found at the NPPSD webpage (https://doi.org/10.5066/F7WQ01T3), and the application can be downloaded here (https://sealog.abrinc.com/pages/qaqsea.html).

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Gould, P.J.
Originator: Forsell, D.J
Publication_Date: 1989
Title: Techniques for Shipboard Surveys of Marine Birds
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Series_Information:

Series_Name: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Technical Report
Issue_Identification: 25

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Anchorage, Alaska
Publisher:

Alaska Fish and Wildlife Office of Research: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Other_Citation_Details:

Gould, P.J., Forsell, D.J, 1989. Techniques for shipboard surveys of marine birds. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Technical Report 25. Alaska Fish and Wildlife Office of Research: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska.

Published report archived by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Catalog (ServCat) https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/ [reference code: 90201]

Online_Linkage: https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/DownloadFile/137133

Type_of_Source_Media: Digital Report
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 1989

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Gould and Forsell 1989
Source_Contribution:

Describes procedures, sampling and observational techniques for strip transect seabird monitoring from boats.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Tasker, M.L.
Originator: Jones, P.H.
Originator: Dixon, T.I.M.
Originator: Blake, B.F.
Publication_Date: 1984
Title:

Counting Seabirds at Sea from Ships: A Review of Methods Employed and a Suggestion for a Standardized Approach.

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Auk
Issue_Identification: 101(3):567-577

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Other_Citation_Details:

Tasker, M.L.,Jones, P.H., Dixon, T.I.M., Blake, B.F., 1984. Counting seabirds at sea from ships: a review of methods employed and a suggestion for a standardized approach. Auk 101(3):567-577. https://doi.org/10.1093/auk/101.3.567

Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.1093/auk/101.3.567

Type_of_Source_Media: journal article
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 1984

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Tasker et al. 1984
Source_Contribution:

A review of the methods used to study seabirds at sea from ships, discuss the problems posed in making reliable observations in relation to the design of research programs, and describe a method currently in use around the seas of Great Britain.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Thomas, L.
Originator: Buckland, S.T.
Originator: Rexstad, E.A.
Originator: Laake, J.L.
Originator: Strindberg, S.
Originator: Hedley, S.L.
Originator: Bishop, J.R.
Originator: Marques, T.A.
Originator: Burnham, K.P,
Publication_Date: 2010
Title:

Distance Software: Design and Analysis of Distance Sampling Surveys for Estimating Population Size

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: journal article
Series_Information:

Series_Name: Journal of Applied Ecology
Issue_Identification: 47(1):5-14

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher: British Ecological Society

Other_Citation_Details:

Thomas, L., Buckland, S.T., Rexstad, E.A., Laake, J.L., Strindberg, S., Hedley, S.L., Bishop, J.R., Marques, T.A., Burnhan, K.P., 2010. Distance software: design and analysis of distance sampling surveys for estimating population size. Journal of Applied Ecology 47(1):5-14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25623132

Online_Linkage: https://www.jstor.org/stable/25623132

Type_of_Source_Media: journal article
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 2010

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Thomas et al. 2010
Source_Contribution: A review of distance sampling and modeling approaches.

Source_Information:

Source_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Hunt Jr, G.L.
Originator: Gould, P.J.
Originator: Forsell, D.J.
Originator: Peterson, H.
Publication_Date: 1981
Title: Pelagic Distribution of Marine Birds in the Eastern Bering Sea
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Series_Information:

Series_Name: The Eastern Bering Sea Shelf: Oceanography and Resources
Issue_Identification: 2

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: online
Publisher:

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Marine Pollution Assessment

Other_Citation_Details:

Hunt Jr, G.L., Gould, P.J., Forsell, D.J., Peterson, H., 1981. Pelagic distribution of marine birds in the eastern Bering Sea. The eastern Bering Sea shelf: oceanography and resources, 2, pp.689-718.

Online_Linkage: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/70162207

Type_of_Source_Media: book chapter
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 1981

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Citation_Abbreviation: Hunt et al. 1981
Source_Contribution:

A review of the distribution of seabirds in the Eastern Bering Sea.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Create Data Tables - Import contributed datasets into new working databases. Each dataset is proofed and modified individually in order to conform to the NPPSD standard. Fields are checked for data integrity, i.e. numeric fields could not include characters, locations were mapped and checked for accuracy, etc.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Standardization - Survey data was originally stored in various formats. Data fields and organization were variable and required several steps to provide standardized records. Incoming data sets are first imported into QA/QSea (quality control application) and proofed and standardized. Where necessary, data fields are renamed and cross-walked to the standard values. Taxonomy codes varied between contributors and some changed over time, therefore, we cross-referenced taxonomy within each survey to the current Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, or in some cases of very recent updates, we used the eBird/Clements Checklist or the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Density calculation - Survey area in square kilometers was generated for each survey transect based on transect width. Density calculations were made by dividing the recorded number of observations for each species by behavior and survey area in square kilometers. Behavior was split so researchers could select only birds on the water or combine these classes.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Distance to Strip - For surveys collected using the distance methodology, we converted observations into strip equivalents. When using the distance methodology, the distance from the boat is calculated. Based on the size of the boat we choose a distance of 100 m to each side for small boats and 150 m for large boats as our strip. All birds within that strip were considered on-transect, all birds beyond that distance were included as off-transect observations.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Modeled database - we reengineered the data from an MS Access database into MS SQL Server for version 4.0 of this data release. This corrects database duplication by remodeling its structure, which streamlines existing redundancies.

Process_Date: Unknown

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Indirect_Spatial_Reference:

Observation locations are documented as the center or start of a transect.

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.001
Longitude_Resolution: 0.001
Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84)
Ellipsoid_Name: World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84)
Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.25722356

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: Locations_NPPSDv4.csv
Entity_Type_Definition:

Table containing spatial and temporal information, environmental observation data, and observer information from survey data for seabirds and marine mammals. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: location_id
Attribute_Definition:

The unique identifier associated with a location record. One location_id can be associated with multiple observation records.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2
Range_Domain_Maximum: 490021
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Identifier

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: master_key
Attribute_Definition:

Up to 255-digit unique identifier of each sample location which provides the link between the location and observation tables. Each unique record in the location table is associated with multiple or no observation records in the observation table.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Unique name field, identifying a named survey transect segment typically provided by the contributor.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_id
Attribute_Definition:

Identifier for surveys often including general survey locations and times. This field is sometimes provided by originator and sometimes generated by NPPSD data managers. This field is not unique, as multiple transect segments will share the same 'survey_id', and is primarily useful for linking locations back to raw datasets.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Non-unique name field, identifying a survey, provided by the contributor or created by an NPPSD data manager.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: modified_platform_type
Attribute_Definition:

The platform used to conduct surveys. We recognize five different platform types, adopted from OCSEAP-U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) protocols (Gould and Forsell 1989).

Attribute_Definition_Source: OCSEAP-U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) protocols
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Large Boat
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Boat greater than 15m in length.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Small Boat
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Skiff or boat less than 15m in length.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Fixed
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Boat at anchor.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Land
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Observations made from land.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Aircraft
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Observations made from fixed-wing aicraft or helicopter.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: modified_survey_type
Attribute_Definition:

Type of survey methodology. Most of the data were classified as "Pelagic Survey-Strip". Some missing survey types were assumed to be pelagic surveys if they included transect duration and transect width. Surveys that were conducted using the distance sampling method were called "Pelagic Survey-Distance". During the OCSEAP data collection there also were "Station" surveys, where species were counted in a fixed area (from a non-moving platform) over a fixed time period. The survey type “Off Transect Observation” is used only on a few samples from the OCSEAP data. Survey types of “Station” and “Off Transect Observation” do not have a sample area, so they are automatically excluded from density calculations.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Pelagic Survey-Strip
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Offshore survey
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Station
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Fixed observation point
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Off Transect Observation
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Transects tagged as off transect by the contributing researcher.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Pelagic Survey-Distance
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Surveys conducted using distance sampling methods.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: local_date_time
Attribute_Definition: Local timezone date and time (format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS).
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1973-06-27 00:00:00
Range_Domain_Maximum: 2022-04-07 14:38:00
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_target
Attribute_Definition:

Focus of the survey. A few surveys were taxa specific. These taxa specific surveys should be excluded from assessments of other species.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: All
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: All marine birds and mammals were recorded.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Marine Birds
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine birds were recorded.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Brachyramphus Murrelet
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Only Marbled and Kittlitz's Murrelets were recorded.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Kittlitz's Murrelet
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Only Kittlitz's Murrelets were recorded.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: fly_bird_method
Attribute_Definition:

Indentifies how flying birds were counted on surveys. In most surveys, flying birds were counted at regular intervals (snapshots), not continuously, to minimize overestimation of bird densities owing to the flux of rapidly moving birds across the transect. In other cases, flying birds were counted continuously when they entered the survey window (continuous).

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Continuous
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: All flying birds counted continuously while surveying.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Snapshot
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Flying birds counted at set intervals to counter the positive bias related to the speed of flying birds.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Gould and Forsell 1989

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Not Specified
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: No methodology for counting flying birds was provided.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: loc_method
Attribute_Definition:

Identifies the method used to determine the latitude-longitude location of the sample. This location is the beginning of the transect for older surveys and is the centroid of the sample transect for newer surveys.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Centroid
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Location determined using the center of transect.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Start
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

The location is determined using the start of the transect. Used when no end location was provided.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: latitude
Attribute_Definition:

Latitude of the sample location in decimal degrees using the WGS 84 datum. NOTE: the dataset include two surveys (survey_id = FW7049, FW8049) in which data were collected south of latitude 20 N.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0
Range_Domain_Maximum: 88.453743
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Decimal degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: longitude
Attribute_Definition:

Longitude of the sample location in decimal degrees using the WGS84 datum. These longitudes are based on a -180 to 180 degree coordinate system. The 180th meridian runs through the middle of the NPPSD study area; thus, the dataset includes both positive and negative longitudes.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: -180
Range_Domain_Maximum: -104.96839
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Decimal Degrees

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 33.533333
Range_Domain_Maximum: 180
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Decimal Degrees

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: transect_width
Attribute_Definition:

Width of sampling window (strip width) in meters. Blank cells indicate that the transect width was not recorded or is not applicable.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 50
Range_Domain_Maximum: 600
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Meters

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: sea_state
Attribute_Definition:

Estimate of sea state based on the Beaufort Wind Scale (see https://www.weather.gov/mfl/beaufort for descriptions). Blank cells indicate that the sea state was not recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 0
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Wind calm; sea like a mirror.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Light air; ripples with the appearance of scales are formed, but without foam crests.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 2
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Light breeze; small wavelets, still short, but more pronounced, crests have a glassy appearance and do not break.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 3
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Gentle breeze; large wavelets, crests begin to break, foam of glassy appearance.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 4
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Moderate breeze; small waves becoming larger.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 5
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Fresh breeze; moderate waves taking a more pronounced long form.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 6
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Strong breeze; large waves begin to form, the white foam crests are more extensive everywhere.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Beaufort Wind Scale

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: weather
Attribute_Definition:

Weather classification. Blank cells indicate that the weather conditions were not recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Greater than 50% clouds
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Over half of the sky is estimated to be covered in clouds
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Less than 50% clouds
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Less than half of the sky is estimated to be covered by clouds
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Rain
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: It is raining.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Snow/Hail/Sleet
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: It is either snowing, hailing, or sleeting.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Fog
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: It is foggy.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: sample_area
Attribute_Definition:

Area (length x width) of the transect segment in square kilometers.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.00004
Range_Domain_Maximum: 58.36684
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Square kilometers

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: source
Attribute_Definition:

The person that transferred the survey data to U.S. Geological Survey data stewards.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The person who transferred the survey data to USGS.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: pi
Attribute_Definition:

The principal investigator (PI) in charge of the survey effort. Unknown indicates that the PI of a survey was unknown.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The person in charge of the survey effort.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: organization
Attribute_Definition:

The organization of the principal investigator responsible for surveys.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The organization of the principal investigator.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: doi
Attribute_Definition:

The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) of individual survey datasets that are incorporated in the NPPSD database. Although most of the datasets incorporated into the NPPSD do not have their own DOIs, this will be more common in the future and provides a permanent link back to original data. Blank cells indicate that no DOI is assigned to the individual dataset.

UDOM: The Digital Object Identifier (DOI) of the contributed survey dataset.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Although most of the datasets incorporated into the NPPSD do not have DOI numbers assigned, this will be more common in the future and provides a permanent link back to original data.

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: Observations_NPPSDv4.csv
Entity_Type_Definition:

Table containing information about the species, number, density, and behavior of marine birds and mammals observed at-sea. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: obs_id
Attribute_Definition:

The unique identifier associated with an observation record. One obs_id is associated with each species and behavior combination at each location_id.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 14
Range_Domain_Maximum: 1342205
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Identifier

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: location_id
Attribute_Definition:

The unique identifier associated with a location record. One location_id can be associated with multiple observation records.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 2
Range_Domain_Maximum: 490021
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Identifier

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: master_key
Attribute_Definition:

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Unique name field, identifying a named survey transect segment typically provided by the contributor.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: species_code
Attribute_Definition:

The NPPSD version 4.0 four letter code used to identify taxa on sampling surveys. See table "SpeciesTaxonomy_NPPSDv4.csv" for a list of common names corresponding to each species code.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

The NPPSD version 4.0 four letter code used to identify taxa on sampling surveys.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: primary_behavior
Attribute_Definition: Standardized behavior of the observed species.
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Fly
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine bird observed flying.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Land
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine bird or mammal observed on land.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Water
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine bird or mammal observed in the water.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Unknown
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: The primary behavior of the marine bird or mammal was unknown.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: secondary_behavior
Attribute_Definition:

Second type of observed behavior if the species showed multiple behaviors. Blank cells indicate that a secondary behavior was not recorded or did not occur.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Feeding
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Marine bird or mammal exhibiting foraging behavior indicative of active feeding.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: On object
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Marine bird or mammal on an object such as kelp, stick, boat, ice.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Dead
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Marine bird or mammal is dead. These are treated as off-transect and are not used for calculating densities.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Holding fish
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine bird or mammal is holding a fish.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: number
Attribute_Definition:

Sum of a given species with the same behavior at this location. Blank cells indicate that the sum was not calculated for a particular species and behavior type.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 1
Range_Domain_Maximum: 350000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Count

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: density
Attribute_Definition:

Number per square kilometer for a given species and behavior combination. Blank cells indicate that the density of a particular species and behavior type was not calculated.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 0.01713
Range_Domain_Maximum: 339606.094
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Individuals per Square Kilometer

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: on_off_tx
Attribute_Definition:

Field to identify whether observation was on or off transect. Only observations observed on transect have densities calculated.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: ON
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Observation observed on transect.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: OFF
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Observation observed off transect. We do not calculate densities for off transect observations.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: obs_comments
Attribute_Definition:

Explanatory text with 254-character limit. Blank cells indicate that no comments were recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Originators
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Explanatory text with 254-character limit.

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: SpeciesTaxonomy_NPPSDv4.csv
Entity_Type_Definition:

Table containing the current taxonomy and species codes for all marine birds and mammals observed on surveys in the NPPSD. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: species_id
Attribute_Definition:

Unique identifier for marine bird and mammals to the lowest identifiable level.

Attribute_Definition_Source: National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA)
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Range_Domain:

Range_Domain_Minimum: 910000000000
Range_Domain_Maximum: 922190201000
Attribute_Units_of_Measure: Identifier

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: class
Attribute_Definition: Taxonomic rank above the order and below the phylum.
Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Class to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: order
Attribute_Definition:

Taxonomic rank above the suborder and family and below the class. Blank cells indicate that the species could not be identified to Order.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Order to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: suborder
Attribute_Definition:

Taxonomic rank above the family and below the class. Suborder was only designated when it was the lowest identifiable classification. Blank cells indicate that Suborder was not required for the species designation.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Suborder to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: family
Attribute_Definition:

Taxonomic rank above the subfamily and genus and below the suborder and order. Blank cells indicate that the species could not be identified to Family.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Family to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: subfamily
Attribute_Definition:

Taxonomic rank above the genus and below the family. Subfamily was only designated when it was the lowest identifiable classification. Blank cells indicate that Subfamily was not required for the species designation.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Subfamily to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: genus
Attribute_Definition:

Taxonomic rank above the species and below the subfamily and family. Blank cells indicate that the species could not be identified to Genus.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Genus to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: species
Attribute_Definition:

Taxonomic rank below genus. Blank cells indicate that the species could not be identified to Species.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Taxonomic Species to which the bird or mammal is classified.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: common_name
Attribute_Definition: Common name of the marine bird or mammal.
Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Common name of the marine bird or mammal.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: species_code
Attribute_Definition:

The NPPSD version 4.0 four-letter code used to identify taxa on sampling surveys.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The NPPSD version 4.0 four-letter code.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: itis_tsn
Attribute_Definition:

Serial number within the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).

Attribute_Definition_Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Serial number within the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: species_comments
Attribute_Definition:

Any comments about the taxonomic classification. Blank cells indicate that no comments were recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Any comments about the taxonomic classification.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: is_valid
Attribute_Definition:

Indicates whether a species scientific name is valid (1) or invalid (0).

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 0
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Species (or lowest identifiable taxonomic level) is invalid. An invalid name indicated that the hierarchical taxonomy of the species has changed since the date of data collection.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: 1
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:

Species (or lowest identifiable taxonomic level) is valid. A valid name indicated that the hierarchical taxonomy of the species has remained the same since the date of data collection.

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: species_alt_label
Attribute_Definition:

Alternative label for species. If there are multiple names for a species, the inactive name will be listed here. Blank cells indicate that an alternative species label was not recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Alternative label for species.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: taxa
Attribute_Definition: An identifiable group of organisms.
Attribute_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Bird
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Class Aves
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database or eBird/Clements Checklist.

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Mammal
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Class Mammalia
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source:

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) database or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA)

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: dataset_contributor_information_NPPSDv4.csv
Entity_Type_Definition:

Table containing the data source information for all datasets incorporated in the NPPSD v4.0 database. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table.

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: Author Defined

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: source
Attribute_Definition:

The person that transferred the survey data to U.S. Geological Survey data stewards.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The person who transferred the survey data to USGS.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: pi
Attribute_Definition:

The principal investigator (PI) in charge of the survey effort. Unknown indicates that the PI of a survey was unknown.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The person in charge of the survey effort.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: organization
Attribute_Definition:

The organization of the principal investigator responsible for surveys.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The organization of the principal investigator.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_locs
Attribute_Definition:

The place name for the geographic location where the survey was conducted.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

The place name for the geographic location where the survey was conducted.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_id
Attribute_Definition:

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author Defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Non-unique name field, identifying a survey, provided by the contributor or created by an NPPSD data manager.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_year
Attribute_Definition: The year(s) that the survey was conducted for the dataset.
Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The year(s) that the survey was conducted

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_dataset_title
Attribute_Definition:

Text file name of the dataset incorporated in the NPPSD v4.0 database.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Text file name of the dataset incorporated in the NPPSD v4.0 database.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: survey_data_format
Attribute_Definition:

The format in which the data was provided to the USGS data steward.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

The format in which the data was provided to the USGS data steward.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: NPPSD_ver
Attribute_Definition:

The version number of the NPPSD data release in which the dataset was included.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: The version number of the NPPSD data release

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: comments
Attribute_Definition:

Any comments on the data included in the dataset. Blank cells indicate that comments were not recorded.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Author defined
Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Any comments on the data included in the dataset.

North Pacific Pelagic Seabird Database (NPPSD)

Metadata: