Chartrand, K.M, and Scott, A. (2022) Pilot survey of deep-water seagrasses using the Great Reef Census framework. Report. TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

A pilot study was established in 2021 to test the effectiveness of using the Great Reef Census (GRC) to collect broadscale survey data on deep-water marine macrophytes (seagrass and algae) and associated inter-reef habitats of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). This report presents survey results from the 2021 field campaign and includes a review of how this approach can be used in future to effectively update 20-30 year old datasets and validate predictive models on seagrass distribution in the inter-reef lagoon. Overall, results provide a snapshot of deep-water seagrass and Halimeda algal bed distribution where GRC expeditions targeted more remote and logistically challenging regions of the GBR: Far North, Ribbon Reefs and Swain Reefs. We were able to deploy and record footage with the necessary camera equipment and methodology using three different vessel types and the personnel/participants on board: 1) the game fishing vessel MV Allure (Ribbon Reefs), 2) the superyacht MV Aroona (Far North), and 3) the long-range multi-purpose charter vessel MV Eastern Voyager (Swains). The opportunity provided the opportunity to educate participants in the importance of seagrasses and inter-reef habitat communities and was met with strong enthusiasm and desire to continue these efforts into the future. Inter-reef habitats >20m were surveyed using live and recorded CCTV camera systems to verify benthic macrophyte presence. Survey results are compared against probability models of seagrass presence. Geographic Information System(GIS) layers and associated metadata on seagrass and algae site information are available to inform research analysis and management advice. This resource will be incorporated into future iterations of the e-Atlas seagrass synthesis layers and available on request from TropWATER. Trial seagrass survey technique across at least 3 geographic areas along the length of the Great Barrier Reef with three different types of operations and participants (e.g. tourism operator, commercial operator, Traditional Owner ranger vessel) to allow for understanding of logistical operations In addition to deepwater survey trials, this project enabled the additional survey of greater than 315 reefs during GRC in 2021; far in excess of goals to add an additional 15 reefs as part of this pilot study’s objectives

Item ID:	79373
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Related URLs:	Publisher
Copyright Information:	© James Cook University, 2022.
Sensitivity Note:	Report to funder
Funders:	Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF)
Date Deposited:	15 Aug 2023 22:31
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 100%
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