NWSSRP Theme 2 - Project 2a: Characterising the Ancient Coastline Key Ecological Feature (KEF)

Understand physical and biological characteristics of the Ancient Coastline Key Ecological Feature (125m) and the ecological processes that maintain benthic communities from the ancient to contemporary coastlines. The ancient coastline at 125m depth is a Key Ecological Feature (KEF) that may harbour incredible marine life. Effective management of activities in the area requires a better understanding of its habitats and diversity.To do this researchers are generating detailed habitat maps in the region for the first time. They are mapping the sea floor using Multibeam technology and surveying marine life using a range of techniques. These include towed video systems to observe the animals and benthos that live on the sea floor along the KEF, baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS) to determine the diversity of demersal fish species that use the area, and sediment sampling using a Smith MacIntyre Grab for grain size analysis,.