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    DOI10.15468/n3592k

    Occurrence dataset Registered March 05, 2024

    Ichthyological Field Data of Raroia Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, 1952

    Published by Southwestern Pacific Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) Node
    Harry R R
    LicenceCC0 1.0

    Description

    This dataset is from an ichthyological investigation by the Office of Naval Research and Pacific Science Board. The choice of Raroia Atoll in the heart of the Tumotu Archipelago for the third low island in the Coral Atoll Program (1952 SIM Project of the Pacific Science Board of the National Research Council) provided the first time that ichthyological research had been sponsored in French Oceania by the U.S. Government since the Wilkes Expedition of 1838-1842, and the Albatross expeditions of 1899-1900 and 1904-1905. The resumption of this interest in a then little-known region of the tropical Pacific proved very worthwhile.

    Geographic scope

    Description

    Raroia Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

    Latitude
    From -16.242 to -15.931
    Longitude
    From -142.535 to -142.314

    Temporal scope

    range
    June 01, 1952 - September 30, 1952

    Methodology

    Sampling

    A variety of sampling methods was employed during the survey. At various times sailing canoes, outrigger canoes, outboard motorboats, an outboard motor, and a small cutter were made available by the natives for transportation. Generally, three native assistants helped with the handling of the boats and the collecting. Dr. Newell made available his shallow water diving equipment for four stations in 20 to 40 feet of water. Many types of hooks and lines were tried, and the natives were most helpful in providing this type of fishing gear. About three-fourths of the time at Raroia was spent in the field by the fish crew, and the remainder was used in preserving and packing the fishes and taking notes.The gear that was actually available for fish collecting is listed below.

    Study extent

    Raroia Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

    Method steps

    1. Transportation: 35 horse outboard motor; anchors.

    2. Spear fishing gear: Champion rubber sling gun; Hawaiian slings (2); spear shafts with simple hinged barbs (6); simple spear loaned by natives.

    3. Swimming gear: Depth gauges (2); Swim fins (2 pr.); Snorkels (1); Tabe shoes (2 pr.); Squale face masks (2); Diving underwear (1 pr.).

    4. Ichthyocide gear: Rotenone-powdered (app. 385 lbs.); Cloth sacks (6); Inner tube floats (2); Galvanized buckets (3); Dipnets-small (6); Dipnets-large (6); Shark repellent (20 pkgs.).

    5. Fishing Tackle: Navy survival fishing kit; Assorted nylon lines; Assorted hooks loaned by natives.

    6. Preservation: Formaldehyde (35 gals.); Washtubs (3); Porcelain and plastic trays (3); Museum jars S oz. (24); Screw top vials (50); Canning machine and 50 cans; cone soft string; Sodium borate (2 qts.); Cheese cloth 50 yard bolts (4); Burlap sacking 3 x 100'; Numbered tin tags.

    7. Steel Drums: 54 gal. (5); 35 gal. (4).

    8. Records: Collection resistall labels (4OO); Field data sheets (100); Record Books (3); Higgins Eternal ink and pens.

    9. Fish Books: Tinker: Hawaiian fishes (1914); Schulte: Fishes of the Phoenix and Samoan Islands (1943); Fowler: Fishes of Oceania (1928).

    10. Photographic Equipment: 35 mm. Kodak Signet, accessories, and film; 4 x 5 Speed Graphic, accessories, and film.

    Metrics

    Additional info

    marine, harvested by iOBIS

    Bibliography

    • Harry, R. 1953. Ichthyological Field Data of Raroia Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago. Atoll Research Bulletin, No. 18, 190 pp .
      Google Scholar

    Contacts

    • Robert R. Harry

      Originator
      Metadata author
      Administrative point of contact
      Organization
      Academy of Natural Sciences
      Position
      Researcher
      Roles
      Originator
      Metadata author
      Administrative point of contact

    GBIF registration

    Registration date
    March 05, 2024
    Metadata last modified
    March 05, 2024
    Publication date
    March 05, 2024
    Hosted by
    The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
    Installation
    Southwest Pacific Regional OBIS Node
    Endpoints
    Darwin Core Archive
    EML
    Preferred identifier
    10.15468/n3592k
    Alternative identifiers
    GBIF registration details

    Citation

    Harry R R (2024). Ichthyological Field Data of Raroia Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, 1952. Southwestern Pacific Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) Node. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/n3592k accessed via GBIF.org on 2025-04-29.