June 2005
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Seabed survey dips into new realms
The Great Barrier Reef Seabed Biodiversity Project achieved a milestone in February, when the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) research vessel RV Lady Basten returned from her fifth voyage of discovery to map seabed life in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Seven scientists from AIMS, CRC Reef, CSIRO and the Queensland Museum, along with seven ship’s crew, spent a month surveying more than 200 sites between Lizard Island and Torres Strait. Their effort was rewarded in the completion of a milestone survey after only 18 months. “We have now surveyed 1,000 sites between Cape York and Gladstone,” said the Project Leader Dr Roland Pitcher from CSIRO. “We plan one more voyage at the end of 2005 to the far south of the Reef, to complete the mapping of seafloor life and habitats up to 100 metres deep throughout the Marine Park.” The team used two types of video sampling to build a picture of life on the seabed. A $500,000 remote-controlled video camera was towed over the seabed to record its habitats and marine life. Scientists also used Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) to attract and count large fish not captured on the towed video. In some areas, the team pulled a small sled along the seafloor to collect samples of seabed plants and animals. “This method helps to identify many more species, especially small and camouflaged animals, than can be seen using the cameras” said Mr Chris Bartlett from the Queensland Museum. “This trip has uncovered an unusual crab which had never before been recorded in Australian waters. Once we get back to shore, specialists will be able to carefully examine what we have collected, and we expect to discover many more new species,” he said. Information gathered by the Great Barrier Reef Seabed Biodiversity Project will be analysed meticulously over the next two years, and used to create maps of seabed habitats, plants and animals. This information will be used to assist future planning in the Marine Park, including management for sustainable fisheries. The Great Barrier Reef Seabed Biodiversity Project is funded by CRC Reef, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, and the National Oceans Office. It is co-funded by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, CSIRO, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and the Queensland Museum. For more information, visit www.reef.crc.org.au/resprogram/programC/seabed or contact Dr Roland Pitcher, CSIRO, roland.pitcher@csiro.au |
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PO Box 772 Townsville
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