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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 56(7)

Geology–benthos relationships on a temperate rocky bank, eastern Bass Strait, Australia

Robin J. Beaman A C , James J. Daniell B and Peter T. Harris B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 78, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.

B Geoscience Australia, GPO Box 378, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: rbeaman@iig.com.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 56(7) 943-958 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF04306
Submitted: 31 December 2004  Accepted: 2 June 2005   Published: 14 October 2005

Abstract

To better understand the possible relationships between the geology of the seabed and the associated biological communities, a multibeam sonar survey over New Zealand Star Bank in the eastern Bass Strait was conducted. A hierarchical method of benthic habitat mapping was applied to the secondary biotope and biological facies levels at the site (<10 km) scale. Four secondary biotopes and four biological facies have been defined on the basis of geomorphology revealed by the bathymetry model and the results of statistical analysis of the sediment and underwater video transect data over the bank. The major differences that control the distribution of biological communities in the New Zealand Star Bank area appear to be related to variations in substrate. (1) Hard-ground features related to high-relief granite outcrops are associated with diverse and abundant sessile and motile fauna. These faunal communities may be biologically modified to patchy barrens habitat by grazing urchins. (2) Unconsolidated sediment on a flat seabed is associated with sparse small sponges on the inner shelf. On the middle shelf and seaward of bank, the flat and muddy seabed supports a community dominated by infauna. (3) Unconsolidated sediment on a low-relief seabed is associated with an increase in the density and sizes of sponges concentrated on any low-relief feature raised above the surrounding flat seabed.

Extra keywords: ecological zonation, GIS, ocean policy.


Acknowledgments

We thank CMDR John Maschke and the crew of HMAS Melville for their professionalism and assistance in conducting this survey and hosting R.J.B. and J.J.D. for the period of the voyage. We thank H. Gary Greene and two anonymous reviewers for their thorough review and constructive criticism of the manuscript. R.J.B. acknowledges a PhD scholarship through the School of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Tasmania. J.J.D. and P.T.H. publish with the permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Geoscience Australia.


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