Tol, S.J., Coles, R.G., Shepherd, L., Scott, A., Hoffmann, L., Leeson, P., Ekins, M, Clarke, M., Rasheed, M.A., and York, P. (2023) Benthic Habitat Mapping in the Central Coral Sea Marine Park: Preliminary voyage report for December 2022 survey. Report. TropWATER, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Reefs), and one shallow meadow was identified (West Diamond Islet in Tregrosse Reef).

• Two different seagrass species were identified (Halophila ovalis and Halophila decipiens). • The first herbarium specimens of seagrass collected in the CSMP were collected, with three press specimens to be sent to the Canberra Herbarium. • 54 Remote Underwater Video Stations (RUVS) were deployed across the five different reef lagoons; 24 in deepwater (> 35 meters) and 30 in shallow water (< 35 meters) habitats.

Octocoral researchers collected 159 soft coral specimens throughout the voyage, covering 35 confirmed genera.

• Seabird data was recorded on five cays and from the vessel during transit. Analysis of survey data (map meadow creation and RUVS analysis) will continue, with a final report to be delivered by 28th June 2024. Samantha Tol is aiming to present the findings from this survey on the benthic habitat mapping at the 57th Annual Australian Marine Science Association (AMSA) conference on the Gold Coast in July 2023. She will also aim to present the results from the RUVS footage analysis at the 58th AMSA Conference to be held in Tasmania in 2024.

Item ID:	80578
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Keywords:	Coral Sea Marine Park, deepwater benthic habitat, marine vegetation, seagrass, algae
Copyright Information:	© James Cook University, 2023.
Funders:	Parks Australia (PA)
Projects and Grants:	PA Our Marine Parks
Date Deposited:	30 Nov 2023 01:21
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 70% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3108 Plant biology > 310801 Phycology (incl. marine grasses) @ 30%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 100%
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