Institute of Marine Affairs Species Checklist

Study Extent

The study area for this data was focused on the waters in Trinidad and Tobago's Exclusive Economic Zone (TT EEZ) with the biodiversity data in this dataset being collected between the years 1977-2002.

Sampling

This data was derived using past scientific reports published by the Institute of Marine Affairs through its relevant researchers. The data was collected by the researchers by way of ecological surveys through snorkel and scuba diving.

Quality Control

The derived biodiversity data was cross checked using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility's Species Name Matching Tool to ensure that the scientific names used were the globally accepted names.

Method steps

1. The checklist data was derived from past scientific reports published by the Institute's researchers. The marine biodiversity data was derived from the manuscripts and then cross-checked using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility's Species Name Matching Tool to ensure that the scientific names used were up-to-date.

This datasets consists of biodiversity data derived from six scientific manuscripts produced by Researchers at the Institute of Marine Affairs. The research projects associated with these manuscripts covered a wide array of marine species including, but not limited to, Sponges of Class Demospongiae from Trinidad and Tobago; Octocorals from Trinidad and Tobago; and ahermatypic shallow-water corals of Trinidad. There is also marine biodiversity data derived from ecological surveys done around the reefs of Tobago.

1. Demospongiae
   common name: Sponges rank: class
2. Anthozoa
   rank: class
3. Ulvophyceae
   rank: class
4. Phaeophyceae
   rank: class
5. Florideophyceae
   rank: class
6. Compsopogonophyceae
   rank: class
7. Hydrozoa
   rank: class
8. Hexanauplia
   rank: class
9. Polychaeta
   rank: class
10. Malacostraca
    rank: class
11. Gastropoda
    rank: class
12. Crinoidea
    rank: class
13. Ophiuroidea
    rank: class
14. Echinoidea
    rank: class
15. Actinopterygii
    rank: class

The biodiversity information included in the Institute of Marine Affairs Species Checklist was collected by members of the Institute of Marine Affairs through a variety of scientific projects that spanned the waters of Trinidad and Tobago's Exclusive Economic Zone.