Rankin Bank and Glomar Shoals Environmental Survey 2013, Western Australia (WEL)

Towed Video transects + Digital StillsStereo BRUVSSmith & McIntyre sediment grabsPanda Cam (drop cam)CTD Glomar Shoals and Rankin Bank have been identified as potentially sensitive environmental receptors of interest to Woodside Energy Limited (WEL). The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) also noted a lack of biodiversity data on these banks and shoals, despite Glomar Shoal being identified in the national bioregional plan, as a key ecological feature in the mid-shelf Pilbara region. The current study was initiated in 2013, supported by WEL and AIMS to understand and document the present status of the physical and biological characteristics of the submerged reefs. The baseline data will facilitate longer term monitoring of natural variability against which future changes can be assessed.