Benthic habitats in marine ecosystems of the Mexican Caribbean: in situ data and satellite mapping (ArrecifeSAM)

This collection integrates data from the project "Spatial distribution of benthic habitats in shallow water marine ecosystems of the Mexican Caribbean using WorldView-2 (ArrecifeSAM) satellite images (2010-2018)". The study area covers the shallow waters of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, from Cabo Catoche to Xcalak, as part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. The collection includes the following datasets: (1) the database of in-situ sampling at 715 stations, including records of percentage values of benthic cover obtained from the sampling; (2) records of the in-situ bathymetric survey carried out with echosounder; (3) cartographic maps of benthic cover, (4) underwater relief, (5) benthic habitat, and (6) bathymetry; all derived from the processing of 23 WorldView-2 satellite images and validated from the in-situ sampling data. The ArrecifeSAM project has been coordinated by the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO). The products support decision-making for the conservation of coastal marine ecosystems in a scenario of climate change and variability, and are part of the Marine-Coastal Information and Analysis System (SIMAR) (https://simar.conabio.gob.mx).

The authors acknowledge the logistical and technical support provided by National Financial Trust Fund for Biodiversity and CONABIO, National Commission of Natural Protected Areas Mexico (CONANP), National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM (UASA Marine Science and Limnology Institute, Institute of Geography, Science Faculty - Academic Unit Sisal), and Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV-Mérida, IPN).