Baseline Assessment of Benthic Invertebrate Communities in the Southern Benguela: Insights from Table Mountain National Park MPA, Robben Island MPA, and the Seas of Good Hope EBSA.

Ethical ref no: 208142908/07/2020The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the macro-benthic invertebrate fauna of the southern Benguela ecoregion in South Africa, with a focus on the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (TMNP MPA), Robben Island Marine Protected Area (RI MPA) and the Seas of Good Hope Ecologically or Biologically Significant Area (EBSA). A comprehensive benthic survey was conducted from August to September 2019 by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE South Africa) to aid in providing baseline information of macro-benthic invertebrate fauna, their diversity, assemblage patterns and the environmental variables that influence their distribution. Visual assessments were conducted using two different camera systems: a simple Drop camera and a towed camera. A total of 48 stations were sampled and imagery software was used to analyse images obtained. Significant differences were found in species richness, diversity, and abundance between cameras. Environmental factors best explaining the observed community patterns are substrate type and depth. Adoption of long-term monitoring systems and application of standardized efforts to guarantee the efficacy of conservation initiatives are among the recommendations for future research. This study makes a substantial contribution to our knowledge of the benthic ecosystems in the southern Benguela ecoregion and offers insightful data for preservation and management of marine biodiversity in the area.<br>