NWSSRP Theme 2 - Project 2a: Characterising the Ancient Coastline Key Ecological Feature (KEF)

Understand physical and biological characteristics of the Ancient Coastline Key Ecological Feature (125m) and the ecological processes that maintain benthic communities from the ancient to contemporary coastlines. The ancient coastline at 125m depth is a Key Ecological Feature (KEF) that may harbour incredible marine life. Effective management of activities in the area requires a better understanding of its habitats and diversity.To do this researchers are generating detailed habitat maps in the region for the first time. They are mapping the sea floor using Multibeam technology and surveying marine life using a range of techniques. These include towed video systems to observe the animals and benthos that live on the sea floor along the KEF, baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) to determine the diversity of demersal fish species that use the area, and sediment sampling using a Smith MacIntyre Grab for grain size analysis,.

探究古海岸线关键生态特征（125米水深）的物理与生物特性，以及维系从古代到现代海岸线底栖生物群落的生态过程。125米水深的古海岸线是一处关键生态特征（Key Ecological Feature，KEF），可能孕育着丰富的海洋生物。对该区域人类活动的有效管理，需以深入了解其生境与生物多样性为前提。为此，研究人员首次在该区域绘制精细的生境分布图。他们采用多波束技术（Multibeam technology）绘制海底地形，并通过多种技术手段调查海洋生物。具体技术手段包括：利用拖曳式视频系统观测KEF沿线海底的动物与底栖生物；通过带饵远程水下视频系统（Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems，BRUVS）测定该区域底层鱼类的多样性；以及使用史密斯-麦金太尔采泥器（Smith MacIntyre Grab）进行沉积物采样，以开展粒度分析。