South East Fishery (SEF) Ecosystem Study 1993-1996: Benthic Faunal Survey Data

This record describes the benthic assemblage survey data collected as part of the 1993-1996 South East Fishery Ecosystem Study undertaken by CSIRO Division of Fisheries. Benthic sled tows (c.4 per survey) were carried out at selected locations on transects across the continental shelf and in intensive survey areas in eastern Bass Strait, south-west Victoria, and south-west NSW waters. Data were collected in July 1993 (cruise SS 05/93), August 1994 (cruise SS 05/94), April 1996 (cruise SS 02/96) and November 1996 (cruise SS 06/96). Large collections of benthic invertebrates were identified and many photographed. As part of the analysis stage of the project, these assemblages wil be related to substrate characteristics on the one hand and fish faunal assemblages on the other.