Benthic habitat characterisation of Montgomery Reef, Kimberley region, Western Australia using towed video (Towvid)

Brief description

The AIMS towed video system was used to survey the deeper water (between 10 and 53 metres) to the north and south of the reef. The system was flown at approximately 1 metre above the sea floor with real time analysis of the video footage (AIMS Towvid) used to examine the broad scale distribution of dominant benthic biota. In addition to video footage, a downward facing digital still camera was attached to the bottom of the towed body. The camera was set to photograph the benthos approximately every 5 metres. The high resolution images allowed for a more detailed assessment of the benthic community. The objectives of the research were three-fold:1. to provide a broad- and fine-scale characterisation the benthic communities and substratum at Montgomery Reef2. to identify similarities and differences in the benthic communities examined and3. to undertake a detailed spatial analysis to examine and map the distribution of these benthic organisms and communities.This research was the first detailed quantitative survey of the benthic communities of Montgomery Reef. Univariate, multivariate and spatial statistics are employed to examine both the similarities and differences in the distribution and relative abundance of these benthic communities. This study is part of a broader regional survey of the Kimberley fringing reefs initiated by AIMS in 2009.

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded

Statement: Statement: Processing and georeferencing digital images: The towed body itself was positioned between 39.8 to 81.8 metres behind the boat. These positions will require post processing to adjust for the layback in the towed video cable before data may be used for precise spatial modelling, but are indicative of the general survey locations.Substrate classification used for the analysis:Consolidated substrate:Reef (high relief > 1m)Reef (low relief)Sand inundated reefUnconsolidated substrate:Rocks (>15cm)Rubble (1.5-15.0cm)Coarse sand (0.5-1.0cm)Fine sand (0.2-0.5cm)Silt (mud) (Sand ripplesBioturbatedHierarchical benthic classification used for the analysis:Live coral cover:Branching AcroporaDigitate AcroporaTabulate AcroporaBranching non-AcroporaFoliaceousMassiveSubmassive (flattened)Submassive (protrusions)EncrustingMushroomNew recruitsRecently dead (white)Filter feeders:Soft coralSpongesSea whipGorgonian (branching/fan)Sea penSea anemoneAscidianHydroidBryzoanSea starAlgae:Red macroalgaeGreen macroalgaeBrown macroalgaeHalimedaCalcareous red macroalgaeEncrusting coralline algaeTurf algaeFilamentous algaeRhodolithsSeagrass

Notes

Credit
Heyward, Andrew J, Dr (Principal Investigator)