Shallow water benthic community surveys of the coral reefs of Vanuatu

Full description

Surveys of benthic composition and reef condition were conducted at 139 sites in 35 locations in Vanuatu in 1988.Survey sites were located in the vicinity of the following islands and reefs: Aneityum, Tanna, Erromango, Efate and offshore islands, Cook's Reef, Epi, Paama, Lopevi, Malakula and offshore islands, Pentecost, Santo and offshore islands, Gaua, Reef Islands and Ureparapara.Sites were surveyed on snorkel and surveys were limited to shallow reef areas, covering a range of habitats. Each survey was of 15 to 20 minutes duration and covered an area of around 100 sqm.At each site lists of corals and and other large sessile benthos were compiled. Each taxa was assigned an importance value based on the relative contribution to total benthic cover. Data collected to describe reef condition included estimates of percent cover of living and dead standing hard coral, soft coral, seagrass and macroalgae. Where possible the cause of coral death or damage was recorded.Additional site information included substrate type, slope and maximum and minimum depth as well as details of the aerial photograph which includes each site.
The objectives of this research were:1. to determine the location and composition of shallow water benthic communities on Vanuatu coral reefs2. to assess the nature, location and causes of damage to coral reefs
This research was a component of a survey of Vanuatu Marine Resources conducted in March/April 1988 and was funded by the Australian International Development Assistance Bureau.The objectives of the survey were:1. to survey and describe the shallow water reef habitats from selected islands of Vanuatu, adequately covering geographical and environmental variation2. to survey and describe the marine habitats around the shores of Malakula, including offshore islands3. to derive a coastal management plan for Malakula and offshore islands which can serve as a basis for Coastal Zone Management plans for the rest of the country4. to train Ni-Vanuatu personnel in marine survey and marine conservation methods

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: notPlanned

Statement: Statement: The range of habitats surveyed included:Outer reef slopesSheltered parts of outer reefsOpen embayments (partially sheltered from ocean swells and waves)Sheltered embaymentsImportance value was a score of 1-5 based on the relative contribution to total benthic cover of species of hard coral, soft coral and macroalgae. The codes used are as follows:1 = 2 = 6-10%3 = 11-30%4 = 31-80%5 = >80%Codes used to record the presence of predators and reef damage are as follows:sed = sediment on recently dead coral plates. = present+ = occasional++ = common+++ = very commonPercent cover data for biota was estimated subjectively and usually rounded off to 10% intervalsSubstrate cover was recorded as a percentage for the following substrate types:Hard substrateReef platformLarge blocksSmall blocksRubbleGravelSandMud

Notes

Credit
Done, Terence J (Terry), Dr (Principal Investigator)