Western Rock Lobster Habitat Data 7 Mile Beach Western Australia 1986-1990

This dataset contains the results from habitat preference experiments of the post-puerulus stage of the western rock (spiny) lobster Panulirus cygnus, at 7 mile beach (Geraldton region), Western Australia. Diving surveys were conducted and the natural habitat of the post-puerulus were discovered. A variety of artificial habitats were deployed and surveys of the response of the post-pueruli to transferral between shelters was evaluated. Two designs of artificial shelter were successfully utilised by post-pueruli. Results have shown that the post-puerulus preferred to shelter in small holes on the face, ledges and in caves on coastal limestone reefs they also preferred additional cover, typically seagrass and/or algae. Surveys were conducted between October 1986 and December 1990.