| Survey/Project Number: | 910 Total No. of Sites: 19 |
| Survey/Project Name: | Encounter 2002 Expedition to StFrancis |
| Abstract: | Reef Fish populations of offshore islands were surveyed during the Encounter 2002 expedition to the Isles of St Francis in the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park (NAMP), South Australia. The very high abundance of fishes recorded, termed the offshore-island effect, is hypothesised to be due to high local-reef productivity, a high carbon-subsidy from the surrounding seas, and low fishing pressure. The purpose of this study was to quantify the abundance and size-structure of reef fishes along depth and water movement gradients in a relatively pristine environment, and so gain insights into juvenile habitats, and abundance of adults on coastal reefs around offshore islands. Secondary purposes were to gather data for future regional ecosystem modelling, and for the selection of marine reserves in NAMP. |
| Start Date: | 01/01/2002 End Date: 01/12/2002 |
| Survey Type: | Fauna only |
| Study Area Description: | St Francis Isles in the eastern Great Australian Bight |
| Objectives | |||
| Vegetation: | *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded | ||
| Fauna: | Refer to Abstract. | ||
| Methodology | |||
| Vegetation: | *** No vegetation methodology recorded | ||
| Fauna: | Project used the standard visual census method (Barrett & Buxton 2002) to estimate the size and number of fish of all species observed other than small cryptic species. The diver swam with a reel and 50 m line on a given depth contour, and recorded all fish within a 5 m swathe to a height of about 5 m in the water column. Divers were previously trained and experienced in underwater fish surveys. | ||
| Data Distribution Rules: | Sensitive Dataset: Written permission required from Information Authority |
| Project Basis: | Fauna : Fauna species/population Study (ie trapping records over time period for species study). NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used. |
| Information Authority: |
SA Research and Development Institute
Department for Environment and Heritage - Coast and Marine Branch |