Carnarvon Infauna Images

Geoscience Australia carried out a marine survey on Carnarvon shelf (WA) in 2008 (SOL4769) to map seabed bathymetry and characterise benthic environments through co-located sampling of surface sediments and infauna, observation of benthic habitats using underwater towed video and stills photography, and measurement of ocean tides and wave-generated currents. Data and samples were acquired using the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Research Vessel Solander. Bathymetric mapping, sampling and video transects were completed in three survey areas that extended seaward from Ningaloo Reef to the shelf edge, including: Mandu Creek (80 sq km); Point Cloates (281 sq km), and; Gnaraloo (321 sq km). Additional bathymetric mapping (but no sampling or video) was completed between Mandu creek and Point Cloates, covering 277 sq km and north of Mandu Creek, covering 79 sq km. Two oceanographic moorings were deployed in the Point Cloates survey area. The survey also mapped and sampled an area to the northeast of the Muiron Islands covering 52 sq km. This is a folder of the images derived from benthic samples taken on cruise Sol4769 aboard RV Solander. Subfolders house images of Echinodermata, Mollusca, Polychaete, images taken of fresh material during cruise, and various categories of Crustacea, denoted by a C_ prefix in the folder name. Images of fresh material were made using a Canon EOS 40D camera on a rostrum in the wet lab of the ship. Images of preserved material were made using a Nikon Coolpix camera mounted on a Macroscope in the benthic lab at GA. These images formed the first point of reference in identifying subsequent specimens to save wear and tear on the specimens put aside as reference material. This dataset is a contribution to the CERF Marine Biodiversity Hub.