Patterns of abundance and size of dictyoceratid sponges among neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait (CRC-TS Project: Task Number T1.6a)

In December 2004, and September and December 2005, surveys for dictyoceratid sponges were conducted around six neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait: Kabbikane, Keats, Kodall, Marsden, Masig and Rennel. Most islands were 50 cm.For each transect reef slope and the percentage of consolidated rock and rubble were recorded. This study was undertaken to quantify patterns of abundance and size of the more common dictyoceratid sponges among neighbouring islands in central Torres Strait, and thus to examine variation across small spatial scales. The study also investigated the importance of depth in structuring sponge distributions.