Zooxanthellate scleractinian corals of northwestern Madagascar (Marine RAP survey)

Zooxanthellate scleractinian corals were surveyed at 29 sites in north west Madagascar in 2002, using rapid assessment methods. Surveys were conducted using SCUBA to a maximum depth of 44m and covered a wide range of habitats. Seven sites were surveyed at two depths: one deep (>12m) and one shallow (0 to 8-12m).Most species were identified visually, underwater. Where taxonomic or identification problems arose, samples were collected for further examination. A large number of these specimens were sent to the Australian Institute of Marine Science for comparison with reference collections and positive identification.
The aims of this survey were:1. to build a cumulative total of zooxanthellate scleractinian coral species for the entire study area2. to provide information to allow comparisons with previous records for Madagascar and the SW Indian Ocean
The Marine Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) is an initiative of Conservation International (CI). This survey was a component of the project "A rapid marine biodiversity assessment of the coral reefs of northwest Madagascar".