| Title | Benthic invertebrate fauna, associated habitats and potential factors influencing their distribution and abundance in the Southern Benguela Ecoregion, Algoa Voyage 263, August 2019 |
|---|---|
| Authors |
Haupt, Tanya Snyders, Laurenne Samaai, Toufiek Janson, Liesl Parker, Denham Williams, Lauren |
| Publisher | Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (2024) |
| Contributors |
Project Leader: Haupt, Tanya Contact Person: Haupt, Tanya Data Curator: Haupt, Tanya Supervisor: Samaai, Toufiek Data Collector: Snyders, Laurenne Project Member: Snyders, Laurenne Data Collector: Janson, Liesl Project Member: Janson, Liesl Researcher: Parker, Denham Researcher: Williams, Lauren |
| Abstract | This Southern Benguela Cruise was conducted in the Southern Benguela Ecoregion on the Algoa Voyage 263, August 2019. This study focuses on providing a better understanding of the benthic invertebrate communities and associated habitats of three priority areas within the southernmost portion of the Southern Benguela Ecoregion. This includes Robben Island, the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area (TMNP MPA) and the newly proposed Seas of Good Hope Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA). The aims are: 1) To contribute to the first baseline assessment for continuous long-term monitoring. 2) To determine the species diversity of benthic invertebrate communities, and how geological (i.e habitat type) and physical factors (i.e. location, depth) may be responsible for driving their distribution and abundance. 3) To verify habitat types: Verification of the habitats associated with physical features (e.g. geological substrate) by means of in situ sampling of the seabed (using a dredge or grab) and underwater visual assessments (using benthic cameras). 4) To provide legitimate conservation rationale for the establishment of the Seas of Good Hope EBSA and possible expansion of the TMNP MPA. |
| Data | |
| Temporal extent | 29 Aug 2019 – 07 Sep 2019 |
| Geographic extent |
North: -33.66 |
| Keywords | Algoa , Algoa 263 , benthic invertebrates , cruise report , EBSAs , Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas , EOV: Biology and Ecosystems > Invertebrate abundance and distribution (emerging) , long-term monitoring , Marine Protected Areas , MPAs , remote underwater imagery , sailing order , SDG 14.2.1 Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas , SDG Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development , Southern Benguela Ecoregion |