NWSSRP Theme 4 - Understanding the Isolated Coral Atolls of the North West Shelf (Rowley Shoals)

Theme 4 program is forging new paths in underwater monitoring by comparing traditional diver-based methods with autonomous methods, including independent machines capable of collecting data across large areas of ocean and other that can process that information very quickly. These new cost-effective technologies could shape a new age of reef monitoring across the region. The scope of work includes:1. producing a habitat model linking the distribution of biological communities with reef structure and physical condition2. applying the habitat model and existing data to design a monitoring program that isolates the effects of multiple pressures3. incorporating emerging technologies, particularly autonomous and automated approaches to data acquisition and processing, that can be applied more widely.The objectives are to quantify baseline spatial dynamics of key biological communities and their physical drivers in an adaptive monitoring program that addresses processes of change and integrates new technologies for collection and processing of data.

主题4项目通过对比传统潜水员主导的水下监测方法与自主式监测方案，开辟水下监测的全新路径。其中自主式方案涵盖可在大范围海域开展数据采集的独立作业设备，以及能够快速处理采集所得信息的相关系统。这类具备成本效益的新兴技术，有望推动本区域珊瑚礁监测迈入全新纪元。
本项目的工作范畴包括：
1. 构建生境模型（habitat model），将生物群落分布与珊瑚礁结构及物理环境状况相关联；
2. 依托生境模型与现有数据，设计可剥离多重压力因子影响的监测方案；
3. 融入可广泛推广应用的新兴技术，尤其是自主化与自动化的数据采集及处理手段。
本项目的目标为：在自适应监测框架下，量化关键生物群落的基线空间动态及其物理驱动因子；该框架可应对环境变化过程，并集成数据采集与处理的新兴技术。