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 condition

2. applying the habitat model and existing data to design a monitoring program that isolates the effects of multiple pressures

3. 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作业式水下监测方法与自主式监测方法，为水下监测领域开辟全新路径。其中涵盖可在大范围海域采集数据的独立作业设备，以及可快速处理相关信息的其他配套设备。此类具备成本效益的新兴技术，有望推动区域内珊瑚礁监测迈入全新时代。本项目的工作范围包括：
1. 构建栖息地模型，将生物群落分布与珊瑚礁结构及物理环境状况相关联；
2. 应用该栖息地模型与现有数据，设计可甄别多重压力各自影响的监测方案；
3. 融入新兴技术，尤其是可推广应用的自主化、自动化数据采集与处理手段。
本项目的目标是，在一套可应对环境变化过程、并整合数据采集与处理新兴技术的适应性监测方案中，量化关键生物群落的基准空间动态特征及其物理驱动因子。