BRUVS deployments to address strategic knowledge gaps in the Oceanic Shoals bioregion 2014, Western Australia (AIMS)

Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) were deployed and retrieved across targeted shallow seabed environments within and adjacent to the proposed Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve (CMR) in the Timor Sea. The survey concentrated on shelf habitats (< 200m) of the Oceanic Shoals CMR and included potential biodiversity hotspots such as pinnacles, banks and shoals. The allocation of deployment positions across each shoal was conducted using a regular/random design within the bounds of the 60 m depth contour whilst maintaining a minimum distance of 250 m between each SBRUVS unit. Once the positions were derived, the sequence of deployments, in sets of eight replicate units, was determined by proximity and prevailing sea conditions on the day. A total of 76 SBRUVS deployments were conducted across the Margaret Harries Shoals; 24 at Margaret Harries east, 28 at Margaret Harries west and 24 at Margaret Harries south.

The survey was undertaken by the Australian Institute of Marine Science between May 8 and May 16 2014 on the AIMS Research Vessel, RV Solander, and aimed to address strategic knowledge gaps in the Oceanic Shoals bioregion.