Carnarvon Shelf Survey, Western Australia (CERF Marine Biodiversity Hub Survey)

The survey was a collaboration between the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and Geoscience Australia (GA) aboard RV Solander, as part of the CERF Marine Biodiversity Hub's Surrogates Program.

The purpose of the survey was to collect high-quality, accurately co-located data test a range of physical parameters for relationships to the biodiversity and seabed patterns across the offshore Carnarvon shelf, adjacent to Ningaloo. Estimates of relative importance of latitude, distance offshore, water depth, physical setting, exposure and local habitat complexity were explored in relation to biodiversity patterns in the region. The region is highly variable in its geomorphology, where shelf width ranges from less than 6km (northern region at Mandu) to more than 30kms (southern region at Gnaraloo).

The surveys collected physical data:

        - wave and current measurements


        - multibeam sonar bathymetry and backscatter


        - sediment grab samples


        - acoustic sediment profiles

And biological data:

        - towed underwater video and stills photography


        - bottom sediment samples


        - near-bottom plankton samples

Data sources and results were compared to determine the influence of physical and biological seabed features. The study used existing AIMS underwater video survey data and seabed samples.

Please note: as other parties were involved in the collection of the data, that additional permission may be required for its use and/or distribution.