NESP MaC Project 1.4 - Characterising values and identifying indicators and metrics of fish and benthic assemblages within the Capes region of the South-west Corner Marine Park

Research Project

Researchers: Langlois, Tim (Point of contact, Principal investigator, principalInvestigator) ,  Langlois, Tim (Point of contact, Principal investigator, principalInvestigator) ,  Barrett, Neville (collaborator) ,  Barrett, Neville (collaborator) ,  Barrett, Neville, Dr (collaborator)
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Brief description This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub bridging study - "Characterising values and identifying indicators and metrics of fish and benthic assemblages within the Capes region of the South-west Corner Marine Park". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Inventory surveys of Australian Marine Parks (AMPs) provide a broad description of the natural assets that exist in Commonwealth waters. These data can be further explored to identify biological indicators and metrics to cost-effectively monitor the AMPs and inform the AMP Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Improvement (MERI) system. Historical surveys conducted under the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub inventoried natural values and ecosystem components in selected AMPs. They developed and tested standardised survey techniques to allows scientists and park managers to identify and measure the status of natural values and ecosystem components. A recent Marine Biodiversity Hub survey conducted bathymetric and visual sampling of key seafloor habitat and fish assemblages in the Capes region of South-west Corner Marine Park (Western Australia). This present project analysed the this data inventory, characterised and predicted the broader distribution of significant features and natural values, and outlined the underlying techniques and processes. This enabled the identification of important natural values and indicators of fish and benthic assemblages relevant to park management and the AMP MERI system. The new knowledge was presented together with a summary of existing knowledge of park natural values, socio-economic values, cultural values, and pressures. Future work is recommended to create national and international benchmarks, and obtain additional survey guidance from Traditional Owners. Outputs • Habitat annotations to (1) AUV and (2) drop camera imagery following nationally agreed protocols (extended CATAMI classification - the Australian morphospecies catalogue) [dataset] • Bathymetry from National Park and Special Protection zones [dataset] • Geomorphic features map for existing fine scale bathymetry coverage of the National Park and Special Protection zones [dataset] • Habitat map for existing fine scale bathymetry coverage (validated from from drop camera surveys for National Park and Special Protection zones [dataset] • Fish and shark annotations of stereo-BRUV deployments [dataset] • Science communication article for the Australian Marine Parks Science Atlas [written] • South-west Corner Marine Park survey report [written]

Lineage Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded

Notes Credit
National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine and Coastal Hub

Notes Credit
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australian Government

Notes Credit
In addition to NESP (DCCEEW) funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.

Notes Purpose
To support implementation of the South-west Australian Marine Park (AMP) Network Management Plan (designed to protect and conserve marine biodiversity and natural values).

Data time period: 2021-09-01 to 2022-03-31

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-33.906093545431,90