WAMSI Node 3.2.1 - Diversity, abundance and habitat utilisation of sharks and rays - Lagoon and reef edge dive survey data

Snorkel and SCUBA underwater visual surveys were conducted as part of four field trips to Ningaloo in April and June 2007 and August and December 2008.

The June and August surveys were restricted to the reef edge on SCUBA, while the April and December surveys were mainly on snorkel and in the lagoon. While the original intention was to provide coverage through the different seasons, poor weather conditions coincided with most of the planned fieldwork (including cyclone ‘Nicholas’) resulting in re-scheduling of some trips.

A total of 137 sites were surveyed between Vlaming Head on the northeast of the Cape to Gnaraloo in the southern part of the Marine Park (see thumbnail picture). Of these surveys, 89 were in sanctuary zones and 48 in non-sanctuary zones (sanctuary zones are shown as hatched in the picture).