Marine Species Rapid Assessment Survey of Azorean Ports and Marinas (2023-2024)

Surveys were conducted over two sampling years using Rapid Assessment Surveys (RAS) to document species occurrence and relative abundance associated with artificial coastal infrastructure. The dataset includes fouling organisms colonizing artificial substrates such as pontoons, docks, pilings, and mooring lines, as well as conspicuous fish species observed within marina environments during surveys.

It provides information on the distribution and abundance of benthic and mobile taxa inhabiting these highly modified coastal habitats. The dataset contributes to the monitoring of marine biodiversity and bioinvasions, supporting assessments of the introduction, establishment, and spread of non-indigenous species, as well as the characterization of ecological communities associated with marina and port ecosystems in the Azores.