AIMS Long-term Monitoring Program: Video and Photo Transects (Great Barrier Reef)

Benthic organisms were surveyed annually on fixed sites in one habitat on each of 47 selected core survey reefs from 1993 to 2005 in 6 regions throughout the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Surveys were undertaken at 3 sites per reef, with 5x50m transects surveyed per site. \n \nIn 2004 a new zoning plan was implemented in the Great Barrier reef Marine Park and in 2006 the pattern of surveys was changed. The original set of reefs (47) are surveyed in odd years (e.g. 2007) and a different set (56 reefs) are surveyed in even years. The new set consists of paired reefs (one no-take, and one open to fishing) surveyed to assess the effects of rezoning. The paired reefs are near Cairns and Innisfail, Townsville, Mackay, the Swain Reefs and the Capricorn-Brunker group. \n \nFrom 1993 to 2006 video transects were recorded and sub-sampled at 200 points per sample. The program was modified in 2007 to allow collection of data from single frames shot at 1m intervals along each transect using a digital still camera. \n \nBenthic groups recorded are: Abiotic; Hard coral; Soft coral; Coralline algae; Macro algae; Turf algae; Sponge; Other; Indeterminate.\n To annually monitor the cover of benthic organisms, reef fish abundance and crown-of-thorns starfish populations on various reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. \n \nThe program has been designed to track changes in reef communities over time across sub-regions of the GBR.\n Parameters: Percentage cover of different substrate types and benthic organisms (particularly corals), identified to benthic group or lifeform level. Data on reef fish abundance and diversity are collected at the same sites and times.\n